Job 24-28: Where Does Wisdom Come From

But where can wisdom be found?
   Where does understanding dwell?
No mortal comprehends its worth;
   it cannot be found in the land of the living. - Job 28:  12-13

'Where does wisdom come from,?' Job asks.  'It cannot be found here on earth as proved by all of the fruitless discussions we have been having.'

There is knowledge and there is history, but they are all tainted by our preconceived notions.  Some people look at the prosperous and are jealous.  Others look at the same people and see how empty and meaningless their lives are.  Some look at the wicked and are angry because they are enjoying success at others expense.  Others look at the wicked and have pity for the emptiness in their lives and the fate they will eventually suffer.  Where is wisdom, where is truth? 

God understands the way to it
   and he alone knows where it dwells,
for he views the ends of the earth  - Job 28: 23-24 NIV

Our view is limited, we cannot see the whole.  In Job's time, it was thought that the horizon, the place where the sea met the sky was the end of the earth.  Today, we know that is not true, but what other assumptions have we taken as truth.  As mortal men, it is impossible for us to have complete wisdom.  We may know a few facts, but we don't know the whole.  There is no way we can obtain God's wisdom.  Relying on him is our only hope.

2010 Post - Job 24-28:  The Beginning of Wisdom