Job 28:2-12

2 El hierro es tomado del polvo, y de la piedra es fundido el bronce

3 A las tinieblas puso término; y a toda obra perfecta que él hizo, puso piedra de oscuridad y de sombra de muerte

4 Sale el río junto al morador, y las aguas sin pie, más altas que el hombre, se fueron

5 Tierra de la cual nace el pan, y debajo de ella estará como convertida en fuego

6 Lugar que sus piedras serán zafiro, y tendrá polvos de oro

7 Senda que nunca la conoció ave, ni ojo de buitre la vio

8 nunca la pisó hijo de soberbio, ni león pasó por ella

9 En el pedernal puso su mano, y trastornó los montes de raíz

10 De los peñascos cortó ríos, y sus ojos vieron todo lo preciado

11 Detuvo los ríos en su nacimiento, e hizo salir a luz lo escondido

12 Mas ¿dónde se hallará la sabiduría? ¿Y dónde está el lugar del entendimiento

Job 28:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 28

The design of this chapter is either to show the folly of such who are very diligent in their search and pursuit after earthly things, and neglect an inquiry after that which is infinitely more valuable, true wisdom; or rather to observe, that though things the most secret, and which are hidden in the bowels of the earth, may be investigated and discovered by the sagacity and diligence of men, yet wisdom cannot, especially the wisdom of God in his providences, which are past finding out; and particularly in what concerns the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous; the reason of which men should be content to be ignorant of for the present, and be studious to possess that wisdom which is attainable, and be thankful for it, if they have it; which lies in the fear of the Lord, and a departure from evil, with which this chapter concludes. It begins with setting forth the sagacity of men in searching and finding out useful metals, and other things the earth produces; the difficulty, fatigue, and labour, that attend such a search, and the dangers they are exposed unto in it, Job 28:1-11; then it declares the unsearchableness of wisdom, its superior excellency to things the most valuable, and that it is not to be found by sea or land, or among any of the creatures, Job 28:12-22; and that God only knows its way and place, who has sought it out, prepared and declared it, Job 28:23-27; and that which he has thought fit to make known of it, and is most for his glory and the good of men, is, that it is to fear God, and depart from evil, Job 28:28.