Job 28

12–19 In these verses, Job says that wisdom is of greater value than anything that can be mined from the earth. It cannot be bought for any amount of gold or silver or precious stones.

20–28 In verse 20, Job restates his earlier question: . . . where can wisdom be found? (verse 12). It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing (verse 21). Even Destruction and Death haven't seen it; they have only heard a rumor of it⁵⁹ (verse 22).

Only God knows where wisdom dwells (verse 23), because it is His own wisdom. With it, He maintains control over the universe and the forces of nature (verses 24–26). But mankind can only gain wisdom by going to God and submitting to Him in faith and obedience. In verse 28, God says: “The fear of the Lord⁶⁰—that is wisdom” (see Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10).

The Apostle Paul said: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments! (Romans 11:33). Yes, in one sense we humans can only scratch the surface of God's wisdom. But in another sense, we have access to the full riches of that wisdom through Jesus Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2–3). Through faith in Christ and through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we have access to all the wisdom we need to do God's will during our time here on earth (see James 1:5).