The Place of Understanding
From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air. Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.’
Job 28:20–22
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The Place of Understanding
Job says in the previous verses, wisdom “cannot be purchased for gold or silver.” (v. 15) This truth is revealed in the New Testament as well, when, Simon the sorcerer tries to purchase that which only the Holy Spirit can give, “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:18-20) Wisdom cannot be found in the land of the living. It is not in the deepest places of the earth or of the sea. It cannot be purchased for gold or silver. Jewelry made from the finest materials, gold and silver, inlaid with precious stones cannot compare to the value of true wisdom. (Job 28:15-19) Job knows that the wealth of this world cannot equal the value of God’s wisdom. And the wisdom of which Job speaks is valuable beyond any human comprehension, it simply cannot be found in this world. Nor can it be acquired with any amount of wealth. God alone is its source. We cannot find true wisdom by our own reason or strength, but through God’s declaration, that is His Word, we are given true wisdom. And it is in His Word that we find the truth about wisdom. St. Paul write, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, … But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; …so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” (1 Cor. 1:26-31) For only in Christ, and Him crucified for you, is there true wisdom!
Job 28:20–22
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The Place of Understanding
Job says in the previous verses, wisdom “cannot be purchased for gold or silver.” (v. 15) This truth is revealed in the New Testament as well, when, Simon the sorcerer tries to purchase that which only the Holy Spirit can give, “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:18-20) Wisdom cannot be found in the land of the living. It is not in the deepest places of the earth or of the sea. It cannot be purchased for gold or silver. Jewelry made from the finest materials, gold and silver, inlaid with precious stones cannot compare to the value of true wisdom. (Job 28:15-19) Job knows that the wealth of this world cannot equal the value of God’s wisdom. And the wisdom of which Job speaks is valuable beyond any human comprehension, it simply cannot be found in this world. Nor can it be acquired with any amount of wealth. God alone is its source. We cannot find true wisdom by our own reason or strength, but through God’s declaration, that is His Word, we are given true wisdom. And it is in His Word that we find the truth about wisdom. St. Paul write, “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, … But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; …so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’” (1 Cor. 1:26-31) For only in Christ, and Him crucified for you, is there true wisdom!
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