RTW January 26
Where Do I Find Wisdom?
But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?
Job 28:12
My Takeaways
Something Old
Fear in this context. means respect, reverence, and piety.
Job asks, Where do we find wisdom? Understanding? This is where we find wisdom.
Something New
God alone understands the way to wisdom; He know where it can be found. Job 28:23
“And this is what he [speaking of God] says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’” [Emphasis mine] Job 28:28
Simply put, when we:
- Give the Lord the respect, reverence, and regard He deserves, we grow in our wisdom.
- Forsake evil is to gain understanding. (knowledge and discernment).
Changing our ways and our thought patterns in order to gain wisdom is worth all our effort because when we do, we find God
“For whoever finds me [wisdom] finds life and receives favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 8:35 [Emphasis mine] Now I ask, who doesn’t want to receive life and favor from the Lord?
Something to Do
Find the life so I can bask in God’s favor.
My Takeaways:
Well I’m starting to think that Job likes to brag. He wants everyone to know about his good deeds and accomplishments. Notice in chapter 29 all you see written there is I, I, I me, me, me. I think I counted about 27 times when those pronouns were used. Do you think maybe Job is getting too prideful? Maybe Job is just thinking too highly of himself. We often get deceptive when we think we are doing everything right. Pride is not a good thing-it’s what separates us from God. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Something Old:
Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.” Job needs to listen to this and apply it to himself. If Job is going to gain wisdom he needs to die to himself. Wisdom comes as we decrease and HE increases.
Something New: But where can wisdom be found? Is this what sanctification is all about? When I became a Christian I became more and more like my heavenly Father, but not until I actual reach heaven will I be totally transformed into His likeness. Is this, then, the point when I’ll receive true wisdom and finally find it?
Something To Do:
Since true wisdom comes from God, it can only be found by being in right relation to Him (the fear of the Lord), and it is shown by a life that does depart from evil. I must give up my will– for God’s will. This can only be accomplished by knowing what His will is. I must stay in the word, continue to pray, and surround myself with Christian friends. If I remember that true wisdom only comes from the Lord I understand how much I need him. Despite my best attempts — or sometimes because of my spiritless efforts — I may not find God’s guidance for every action and decision. If so, it is better to recognize my ignorance than to put my stock in speculation or false wisdom. Sometimes humility is the best way to honor God.
https://youtu.be/9lQ5ApL3UqI
Thank you for posting this wondrous hymn. It has long been a favorite and I never listen to it without the tears flowing….this morning was no exception, but it was a blessed and cleansing cry! Much needed and much appreciated.
I know what you mean.