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Job 28

28 verses

TL;DR

Job 28 explains that wisdom is far more valuable than precious metals and is hidden from the ordinary, yet it is found through fearing God and turning away from evil.

Summary

The chapter opens with a poetic description of how precious metals like silver and gold are mined from the earth and how they are hidden in dark places. It then contrasts these material treasures with the elusive nature of wisdom, stating that it cannot be found in the earth, sea, or any worldly riches. The text emphasizes that wisdom cannot be bought with gold or precious stones, and that even the deepest places do not contain it. The passage goes on to declare that only God knows the way and location of wisdom, and that He weighs the waters and winds. Ultimately, the chapter concludes by revealing that the fear of the Lord is wisdom and that turning away from evil is understanding. The message underscores that true value lies in spiritual insight rather than in material wealth.

Outline
  1. Description of earthly treasures and their hiddenness
  2. Contrast of wisdom’s hidden nature and its immeasurable value
  3. Revelation that wisdom is found in fearing God and departing from evil
Themes
The immeasurable value of wisdomContrast between earthly riches and spiritual truthGod’s sovereignty over knowledge and creation
Keywords
wisdomunderstandinggoldsilverGodearthseafear of the Lordknowledgevalue
People
Godman
Places
earthseaheaventhe deep
Things
wisdomunderstandinggoldsilverpearlscoraloniontopaz
Key Verses
  • Job 28:28: It concludes the argument by defining wisdom as the fear of the Lord and understanding as turning away from evil, offering the final theological statement of the chapter.
Questions
  • Why does the author compare wisdom to material wealth?
  • How does the passage define the relationship between fearing God and obtaining wisdom?
  • What does the text imply about human attempts to acquire wisdom through worldly means?
  • In what way does the imagery of the earth and sea deepen our understanding of wisdom’s hiddenness?
  • How does this chapter fit into the larger themes of Job’s discourse?
Sentiment

neutral
The tone is descriptive and reverent, with no overt emotional bias.