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Job 28:1 "Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold which they refine."

 

Job goes on to list many of the precious things of the world, and many of the accomplishments of man, then asks "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know the way to it." (Job 28:12-13) Wisdom "cannot be gotten for gold" (Job 28:15), but "God understands the way to it, and he knows its place ... [a]nd he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.'" (Job 28:28)

 

The things of this world will not lead us to wisdom. None of our accomplishments, not even years of education, bring wisdom or true understanding to us. It only comes when we "fear" God, that is, when we have a true appreciation for who God is and a rightful, humble capitulation to His awesome, loving power. Worldly things lead us to worldly thinking. Without wisdom, even if we are trying to pursue God, we constantly feel the pull of the world. Resisting temptation is a tremendous struggle, because we are still looking at things through worldly eyes.

 

But if we come to know God, if we understand His love for us, the world, and all of humanity; if we see that with His awesome power He is guiding everything to goodness, then the way we view worldly things changes, and temptation is greatly lessened. Silver and gold become beautiful things that God has created to bring joy to the world; earthly pleasures become gifts from God to be enjoyed in accordance with His laws in order not to become destructive to us. Understanding awakens in our minds when we put God first and let Him lead. There is still temptation, as well as suffering, but we know who to turn to to help us through them. Rather than fighting with ourselves or struggling against the world, we give ourselves over to Him and His laws. Then we can relax, knowing that He is our fortress and protector.

 

With wisdom, we end up not wanting the things that God doesn't want for us. We know that God will give us the good things of this world in the measure and at the time that is right for us. We feel peace, even in difficult times. Wisdom changes us, it changes everything.