A Theological View of Job 28

Introduction: The theology of Job 28 is a dive into the nature of wisdom, its source, and its transcendent value. The chapter serves as a pivot in the book of Job, shifting from a focus on Job’s suffering to a broader exploration of the human condition and God’s role in it. This transition is marked by a profound meditation on the nature of wisdom, its inaccessibility to human beings, and its status as a divine attribute.

I. The Elusiveness of Wisdom (Job 28:1-11)
The chapter begins with a depiction of human pursuit for precious ores and jewels. Job 28:1-2 declares, “Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold that they refine. Iron is taken out of the earth, and copper is smelted from the ore.” Job emphasizes humanity’s ability to discover and extract valuable resources from the earth. However, verses 12-14 present the stark contrast of the elusive nature of wisdom: “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’” Cross-references to Proverbs 2:4, Proverbs 8:11, and Ecclesiastes 7:24 reinforce this message, each verse underscoring the difficulty of attaining wisdom.

II. The Incomparable Value of Wisdom (Job 28:15-19)
The second part of the chapter contrasts the extreme value of wisdom to worldly wealth. Job 28:15-19 asserts, “it cannot be bought with gold, nor can silver be weighed as its price… it is beyond the price of pearls. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold.” This theme is also echoed in Proverbs 3:14, Proverbs 16:16, and Ecclesiastes 9:18, illustrating wisdom’s inestimable worth and superiority over all earthly riches.

III. The Divine Source of Wisdom (Job 28:20-28)
The chapter concludes by revealing the true source of wisdom. Job 28:20 asks, “From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?” The answer is given in verses 23 and 27: “God understands its way, and he knows its place… he saw it and declared it; he established it, and searched it out.” Job 28:28 then offers the ultimate definition of wisdom: “And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” This profound truth is reinforced by cross-references to Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10, and Psalm 111:10, all affirming that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Conclusion: Job 28 presents a elaborate study on wisdom, its elusive nature, its immeasurable value, and its divine source. While humanity can discover and extract valuable materials from the earth, wisdom remains beyond our reach. We cannot purchase it with worldly wealth; its value far exceeds that of gold or precious jewels. Ultimately, Job 28 reveals that wisdom’s source is divine. It is rooted in the fear of the Lord and a turning away from evil. As such, wisdom is not simply an intellectual pursuit, but a spiritual one – a pursuit that leads us closer to God and His righteousness. Through this profound reflection, Job 28 invites us to reevaluate our understanding of wisdom and to seek it in its true source: the Lord God Himself.