Day #28: Easier Said Than Done

But where can wisdom be found?
Where does understanding dwell?
~Job 28:12

This chapter of Job is by far my favorite chapter so far. I don't quite understand my attraction to this chapter. It must have something to do with the simple analogies and thoughts held within it. In fact, this chapter is almost poetic.

The first time I read the chapter my mouth literally fell open. Job begins the chapter by speaking of mining for silver, gold, iron, and sapphires. Just as I am beginning to wonder where Job is going with this, he gets to his point. Job pretty much says 'So people know how to find gold, big deal. I want to know where can I find wisdom and understanding!'

My mind was blown when I realized the comparison Job just made. Finding a vein of gold or silver is hard to do. The difficulty required in procuring it gives gold and silver it's value. If the amount of complication involved translates to the value of the object, how much do you think wisdom would be worth? But how do you mine wisdom? Especially when you don't know where it is?

Before we get to the answer that lies in the bible, can I talk about my theory for a second? I think that wisdom and understanding lies with God, and my reasoning behind it is this: God created everything, therefore everything belongs to God. God created wisdom, so wisdom belongs to God. From this point, we come to my previously given answer that wisdom lies with God. If wisdom lies with God, is there a way we can 'mine' it or find it by ourselves?

Take a look at my handy little format gig down below to see the answer that is given in the 28th chapter of Job...

Q: 'But where can wisdom be found?' ~Job 28:12a

A: 'God understands the way to it,... And He said to man "The fear of the Lord-- that is wisdom,"' ~Job 28:23a, 28a

Q: 'Where does understanding dwell?' ~Job 28:12b

A: 'and He alone knows where it dwells,... and to shun evil is understanding.' ~Job 28:23b, 28b

So I guess I was kinda right. Only God knows where true wisdom is. However, God has just shared the first step to gaining true wisdom: fear the Lord and shun evil. ....... Much easier said than done... I guess I better get to work on that.


Photo #28: Easier said than done. (Once again, irrelevant. But I like it. I'm going to stick to pictures I like, whether they relate or not. =])