1 Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold [where] they fine [it].
2 Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass [is] molten [out of] the stone.
3 He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; [even the waters] forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.
5 [As for] the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.
6 The stones of it [are] the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.
7 [There is] a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen:
8 The lion’s whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
9 He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.
10 He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing.
11 He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and [the thing that is] hid bringeth he forth to light.
12 But where shall wisdom be found? and where [is] the place of understanding?
13 Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
14 The depth saith, It [is] not in me: and the sea saith, [It is] not with me.
15 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed [for] the price thereof.
16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
17 The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it [shall not be for] jewels of fine gold.
18 No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom [is] above rubies.
19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where [is] the place of understanding?
21 Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.
22 Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
23 God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
24 For he looketh to the ends of the earth, [and] seeth under the whole heaven;
25 To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.
26 When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:
27 Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.
28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.
Overview of Job Chapter 28
Job Chapter 28 is a poetic interlude that reflects on the theme of wisdom, contrasting human endeavors to seek knowledge with the divine understanding that is beyond human reach. This chapter stands out as it shifts from the dialogues between Job and his friends, focusing instead on the intrinsic value of wisdom and its elusive nature.
The Search for Wisdom
The chapter begins by describing the lengths to which humans go to find precious resources, such as gold and silver, in the earth. It emphasizes the ingenuity and effort humans invest in mining and extracting these materials:
- Miners dig deep into the earth.
- They use tools to bring forth precious minerals.
- They risk their lives in dangerous conditions to uncover hidden treasures.
The Value of Wisdom
As the chapter progresses, it shifts the focus from material wealth to the concept of wisdom itself. The text poses rhetorical questions about the true value of wisdom compared to earthly riches:
- Where can wisdom be found?
- How can it be measured or valued?
These questions highlight the idea that wisdom is far more precious than any material possession, suggesting that it cannot be bought or sold.
The Inaccessibility of Wisdom
Job 28 emphasizes that wisdom is not readily accessible to humanity. It is portrayed as something that eludes even the most skilled and knowledgeable individuals:
- Birds of prey cannot see it.
- Deep oceans and the realm of the dead do not contain it.
- Even the proud cannot claim to possess it.
This imagery reinforces the notion that wisdom is a divine attribute, not something that can be attained through human effort alone.
Divine Perspective on Wisdom
The chapter concludes with a powerful declaration about the nature of wisdom:
- Wisdom is with God, and He understands its ways.
- God alone knows the path to wisdom.
- Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
This conclusion ties the pursuit of wisdom back to a relationship with the divine, suggesting that true understanding comes from reverence and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
Thematic Implications
Job Chapter 28 serves to illustrate several key themes:
- The Limitations of Human Understanding: It underscores the idea that while humans can achieve great things, there are realms of knowledge that are beyond our grasp.
- The Superiority of Divine Wisdom: The chapter highlights that divine wisdom is paramount and that human wisdom pales in comparison.
- The Relationship Between Wisdom and Reverence: It concludes with the assertion that true wisdom begins with a fear of the Lord, implying that spiritual insight is foundational to understanding life’s complexities.
Conclusion
Job Chapter 28 serves as a profound reflection on the nature of wisdom, emphasizing its value and the divine origin. It challenges readers to reconsider their priorities and the sources from which they seek understanding, ultimately pointing towards a relationship with God as the key to true wisdom.
