Wisdom

Read Job 28

Read 1 Kings 4

Our two readings fit together today incredibly well. In our first reading, Job gives this beautiful discourse on wisdom and where it may (or may not) be found. He gives such an interesting and careful description of mining and how the rich minerals and stones are brought up from the earth. But is wisdom found there? No.

Man can also build great dams and accomplish incredible feats, but is wisdom found there? No, of course not.

Job contends that wisdom belongs to the Lord. And true wisdom is found only where God has given it to man. Job says, "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding."

Indeed, Solomon says the exact same thing in a few spots in the book of Proverbs. Fear of the Lord, turning from evil, a right heart before God, these are things that Solomon had. And so we hear of Solomon's wisdom in our second reading today. And we can't forget where he got this wisdom. Remember, "And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure."

Wisdom is from God. Wisdom is learning from God through his Word. Wisdom is honoring God, worshiping him above all others. True understanding is to see people and this world and all Creation the way God sees it - that is, to have a correct understanding of right and wrong, good and bad, righteousness and evil.

The world will often think that we are fools. Let them think so. We know truth. God has hidden true wisdom from the wise and learned and revealed it to little children - us! The "foolishness" of the cross of Christ is a stumbling block to those who are wise in their own eyes.

And so that we do not become conceited, let's just be clear: this wisdom comes from God, not from within ourselves. We didn't earn the right to be wise. We didn't achieve a holy standing before him. We were brought into it by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So, rather than gloating over the wicked fools, let us seek to enlighten them by proclaiming the Word of God to them.

Ask Yourself:

Do I have true wisdom? What does it look like?

How does "fear of the Lord" affect my behavior?

How do I react when the world calls me a fool?

Pray:

"Give your servant an understanding mind...that I may discern between good and evil" - Solomon, 1 Kings 3:9.

Amen.

Study with me Monday,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!