April 17, 2024

Doesn't this sound like Proverbs?

Job 28

Hector Alanis
Wednesday's Devo

April 17, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

April 17, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

April 17, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

April 17, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 28:28

"And he said to man,
'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"

Job 28

Job Continues: Where Is Wisdom?

1  Surely there is a mine for silver,
    and a place for gold that they refine.
2  Iron is taken out of the earth,
    and copper is smelted from the ore.
3  Man puts an end to darkness
    and searches out to the farthest limit
    the ore in gloom and deep darkness.
4  He opens shafts in a valley away from where anyone lives;
    they are forgotten by travelers;
    they hang in the air, far away from mankind; they swing to and fro.
5  As for the earth, out of it comes bread,
    but underneath it is turned up as by fire.
6  Its stones are the place of sapphires, 1 28:6 Or lapis lazuli; also verse 16
    and it has dust of gold.

7  That path no bird of prey knows,
    and the falcon's eye has not seen it.
8  The proud beasts have not trodden it;
    the lion has not passed over it.

9  Man puts his hand to the flinty rock
    and overturns mountains by the roots.
10  He cuts out channels in the rocks,
    and his eye sees every precious thing.
11  He dams up the streams so that they do not trickle,
    and the thing that is hidden he brings out to light.

12  But where shall wisdom be found?
    And where is the place of understanding?
13  Man does not know its worth,
    and it is not found in the land of the living.
14  The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’
    and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’
15  It cannot be bought for gold,
    and silver cannot be weighed as its price.
16  It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,
    in precious onyx or sapphire.
17  Gold and glass cannot equal it,
    nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.
18  No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal;
    the price of wisdom is above pearls.
19  The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
    nor can it be valued in pure gold.

20  From where, then, does wisdom come?
    And where is the place of understanding?
21  It is hidden from the eyes of all living
    and concealed from the birds of the air.
22  Abaddon and Death say,
    ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.’

23  God understands the way to it,
    and he knows its place.
24  For he looks to the ends of the earth
    and sees everything under the heavens.
25  When he gave to the wind its weight
    and apportioned the waters by measure,
26  when he made a decree for the rain
    and a way for the lightning of the thunder,
27  then he saw it and declared it;
    he established it, and searched it out.
28  And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
    and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Footnotes

[1] 28:6 Or lapis lazuli; also verse 16
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Study Notes

Job 28:1–4 Job describes the difficulties of mining precious metals.

Study Notes

Job 28:7–8 Neither the birds of the sky (falcon’s eye) nor the animals of the earth (lion) have any knowledge of activities like mining. They are uniquely human endeavors.

Study Notes

Job 28:10 Channels may refer to either rivers in general or the Nile specifically.

Study Notes

Job 28:11 Job’s description of human industry (vv. 1–11) is summed up well in the second line of this verse: the thing that is hidden he brings out to light.

Study Notes

Job 28:15–19 These verses contain many references to gold and precious stones. All are expensive and difficult to obtain, yet none compare with the value of wisdom.

Study Notes

Job 28:21 The place of wisdom is hidden from the eyes of all living creatures on the earth, including humans and the birds of the air.

Study Notes

Job 28:12–22 But where shall wisdom be found? (Compare v. 20.) With all the negative statements in these verses, the answer is that true wisdom is unknown to mankind.

Job 28:22 The reference to Abaddon and Death here is likely related to Job’s earlier description of them as a realm that is hidden from human observation (26:5–6).

Study Notes

Job 28:23–28 Only God understands and knows wisdom and how it is acquired (v. 23). God gives wisdom, and it is defined in relation to him: the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom (v. 28; see Prov. 1:7; 9:10), and to turn away from evil is understanding (see Prov. 3:7; 16:6).

S3:074 Job 28

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Dive Deeper | Job 28

Did you know that the average carwash makes around $1,000 to $1,500 a month, per bay? If you bought an eight-bay self-service car wash in the Dallas area, you could easily make $10,000 a month with about five to 10 hours of work per week. How would that change your life? Could you spend more time with your kids? Or maybe travel the world? These types of idols are what my flesh values. Trailer parks, apartment buildings, laundromats, self-serviced car washes, food trucks, vending machines, you name it, and I have researched and most importantly invested my time and effort in it. 

Job 28 is a beautiful poem laying out what man values versus what God tells man to value. In it, God, through Job, describes all the effort we put into finding gold, silver, and other precious materials. We sacrifice much in hopes of finding something we deem "valuable." But Proverbs 3 tells us that blessed is the one who finds wisdom and gains understanding, that gold does not compare to the value that wisdom and understanding bring. And finally, God gives us direction. He created everything, all the things we think hold value. As Job 28:28 says, "And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'" Because you are reading this, it likely means you devote time to spend with Him daily. But how does the rest of your life look?  

Last December, my mentor challenged me to read three chapters of the Bible a day, one in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I had no idea the impact it would have on my life. I read Job 28 about five months into my daily devotion, and I felt God speaking directly to me, saying: "This is what I have been doing in your life; this is why I gave you discipline in spending time with me. Keep going." I have no idea if I will ever have a business portfolio of car washes, rental properties, or laundromats. What I do know is that God has given me something much more valuable.

This month's memory verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. Prospecting for gold does not have the same appeal today as it did in 1849. What "valuable" things do people in 2024 spend their time and effort seeking? Be specific. What "valuable" things have you spent your time and effort seeking? 

2. What does "fearing the Lord" mean to you? What Scripture guides your view?

3. If a brother or sister in Christ were struggling in wisdom and understanding, how would you approach them? 

4. What is your default source of "wisdom"? (Podcasts, books, YouTube?)

5. Can a believer walk in obedience, earnestly seeking to fear the Lord without daily devotion? Do we see this today?

Respond to Today's Passage

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MS

Michael Scaman

Job continues with his 6 chapter response to Bildad's 6 verse statement. Job relfects on how man searches for treasures and knowledge but the knowledge of the holy is the begining of wisdom and the first in the Bible to say that. We might speculate how two different people from secular and sacred points of view who search for knowledge might comment. Lex Fridman, lecturer from MIT on cutting edge AI and AW Tozer author of the Knowledge of the Holy might say some of the follwoing related to Job 28: Quest for Treasure as if by Lex Fridman, noted AI researcher MIT In our relentless pursuit of knowledge, we delve deep into the intricacies of existence, striving to uncover its hidden wonders. With each discovery, we are reminded of the profound interconnectedness of all things, and the awe-inspiring complexity of the universe. Yet, amidst our quest for understanding, there lies a deeper truth—a truth that transcends the boundaries of human comprehension. Hard to put our finger on it. Is it the recognition that true wisdom emanates not merely from the accumulation of facts . And what AI can sort this out? Is tis a limitation or a challenge? As we marvel at the mysteries of creation should we be thanking the sun? Let us never forget the sacredness that permeates all existence. Why do we feel that sense of awe? Is humble and flawed man himself a reflection and one who reflects on the glory of God a key to unraveling this? And if so how? Is the answer in ourselves or outside ourselves? In acknowledging the presence of a Holy One, would we find ourselves humbled by the enormity of His wisdom and grace. It is in this humility that we discover the true essence of knowledge—is there a profound understanding that transcends the limitations of our finite minds and the algorithms they produce? Treasure Found as if by AW Tozer In the ceaseless pursuit of enlightenment, humanity ventures forth into the depths of darkness, driven by an insatiable thirst for understanding. With relentless determination, we mine the depths of existence, unearthing the hidden riches buried within the earth's embrace. Yet, amidst our fervent quest for knowledge, there lies a deeper truth—a truth that transcends mere intellect and reason. It is the sacred recognition that true wisdom finds its genesis in the fear of the Lord, in the reverent acknowledgment of His sovereignty and majesty. In the quiet contemplation of His holiness, we discover the wellspring of all wisdom, the source from which all knowledge flows. It is here, in the presence of the Holy One, that the mysteries of existence are unveiled, and the secrets of the universe laid bare. Let us, therefore, humbly bow before the throne of grace, acknowledging our finite understanding in the light of His infinite wisdom. For it is in the knowledge of the Holy that true enlightenment is found, and in His presence, we are granted the wisdom to discern the mysteries of life and the universe beyond. Job said it first. And he said it in the midst of his trials. The beginning of wisdom if the fear of the Lord.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Hector. Thinking about this question this morning. What is your default source of "wisdom"? (Podcasts, books, YouTube?) A lot of good sources to gain wisdom from. And a lot of opportunity to potentially misapply wise words. This seems to be the case with Job’s friends, a potential source of wisdom. In general their “God talk” is applicable and wise. Specifically concerning the reality that we know Job is experiencing their words are not wise because they are not true for him in what he is experiencing in his situation. Job’s friends are not bad guys because of what they are thinking about Job. There is good reason behind their thinking. But Job is a bad guy by the reasoning behind their thinking. He is accused of secretly being someone way worse on earth than he was accused of being in heaven. Ultimately like Job and his friends we are the source of wisdom applied or unapplied. Listening to people, explain what their interactions with us are like can be a great source of wisdom, overlooked. Great dive, enjoyed your wisdom this morning.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Hector! Like the omnipotence of God, the wisdom of God is so huge, so deep, so beyond our comprehension. I'm thankful that the scriptures, including verse 28, distill it down to the fear of the Lord. That means arranging ourselves and our perspective in submission to the all-wise God of the universe, I'm so thankful that He nudged me in the first months of my new life in Christ to make "give me wisdom beyond my years" the big prayer of my life.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Valuable things which may be sought include money, bargains, each person themself, God, and Jesus. 2. Fearing the Lord involves getting things done you were supposed to do, you don’t want to do, that you haven’t done, that the Lord reminds you to do. 
Proverbs 14:26 reminds us, “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge”.
 3. I would approach them and ask if I could help them. I would say, “May I help you?”. 4. The Bible. 5. No, because they need to be familiar with each other. Obedience is always attempted but without daily devotion, obedience is not achieved as well as when daily devotion occurs. Hector - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, ”God gives us direction. He created everything, all the things we think hold value”. This reminds us God is resourceful for everyone whenever needed.