Meaning of Job 28:28

Job 28:28, spoken by Job himself in the concluding part of his long discourse on wisdom, encapsulates the ultimate conclusion of his extensive exploration into the nature and acquisition of true wisdom. After a lengthy and often agonizing search, delving into the depths of the earth, the sea, and the heavens for wisdom's hidden treasures, Job arrives at a profound and divinely revealed truth: wisdom is not found in material wealth, intellectual prowess alone, or even in understanding the physical world. Instead, true wisdom is intrinsically linked to a reverent and awe-filled relationship with God, characterized by a "fear of the Lord," and expressed through an active avoidance of evil, which is defined as "understanding." This verse serves as a pivotal summary, shifting the focus from external inquiry to internal disposition and ethical conduct as the foundational elements of genuine wisdom.

Context and Background

This verse appears at the end of chapter 28, which is a poetic exploration of where wisdom can be found. Job and his friends have debated extensively about the source and nature of wisdom, with the friends often attributing Job's suffering to his sin. Job, however, has maintained his innocence while grappling with the inscrutable ways of God. Chapter 28 represents a pause in the direct dialogue, a philosophical and theological reflection on the inaccessibility of wisdom to human effort and the ultimate divine source of knowledge. The speaker is identified as "he," which most scholars interpret as Job himself, summarizing his findings and presenting a universal truth applicable to all humanity, not just his immediate situation. The phrase "to the human race" emphasizes the broad relevance of this declaration.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Fear of the Lord as Wisdom: The primary message is that true wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound reverence and awe for God. This "fear" is not abject terror but a deep respect, acknowledging God's sovereignty, power, holiness, and justice. It is the recognition of one's creaturely status in relation to the Creator, leading to a desire to please Him and live in accordance with His will.
• Shunning Evil as Understanding: Complementing the fear of the Lord, the practical outworking of this reverence is the active avoidance of evil. This signifies not just refraining from overt sinful acts but also rejecting the inclination towards wickedness. Understanding, in this context, is not abstract comprehension but practical discernment and the ability to make righteous choices based on one's relationship with God.
• Divine Revelation: The verse implies that such wisdom is not solely discoverable through human exploration, as depicted in the preceding verses, but is ultimately a gift of divine revelation. God reveals this foundational truth to humanity.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse provides a bedrock principle for a life lived in accordance with God's design. It establishes a clear hierarchy of values: a right relationship with God precedes and informs all other forms of knowledge. For individuals, it calls for an inward examination of their disposition towards God and their commitment to ethical living. It means that any pursuit of knowledge or skill that does not acknowledge God and lead to righteous behavior is ultimately incomplete or misguided. In practical application, it encourages prayer for wisdom, diligent study of God's Word, and a conscious effort to resist temptation and live a life pleasing to God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Job 28:28 resonates with numerous other biblical passages that emphasize the centrality of God in all wisdom and understanding. The entire Old Testament narrative, from the covenant at Sinai to the pronouncements of the prophets, underscores the consequences of fearing or not fearing the Lord. In the New Testament, Jesus himself echoes this sentiment, stating that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, which is a profound expression of the "fear of the Lord." The Apostle Paul also highlights that "the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:10), and that all true wisdom is found in Christ (Colossians 2:3).

Analogies

• A Compass and a Map: The fear of the Lord is like a reliable compass that always points true north, guiding one's direction in life. Shunning evil is like using a detailed map, providing the specific paths to avoid dangers and reach the desired destination. Without the compass (fear of God), the map (understanding of how to avoid evil) can be misread or become irrelevant.
• The Foundation of a House: The fear of the Lord is the bedrock foundation upon which a sturdy and enduring structure of wisdom is built. If the foundation is weak or nonexistent, the entire edifice of knowledge and understanding will eventually crumble, especially during the storms of life.
• The Root and the Fruit: The fear of the Lord is the deep, unseen root that nourishes the tree of life. Shunning evil is the visible, healthy fruit that is produced as a result of that deep nourishment. One cannot have good fruit without a healthy root.

Relation to Other Verses

• Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This is a foundational proverb that Job 28:28 directly affirms and expands upon.
• Psalm 111:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever." This psalm reinforces the concept that the fear of God is the starting point and the basis for sound judgment.
• Deuteronomy 6:24: "The Lord commanded us to obey all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day." This passage links fearing God with obedience and well-being, aligning with Job's assertion.
• Colossians 2:3: "...in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." This New Testament verse points to Christ as the ultimate embodiment and source of all true wisdom and understanding, which is consistent with the idea that wisdom originates from God.