Job 28:15
It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
It cannot be purchased
The phrase emphasizes the inestimable value of wisdom, which is the central theme of Job 28. In Hebrew, the word for "purchased" is "קנה" (qanah), which means to acquire or buy. This suggests that wisdom is not a commodity that can be obtained through material wealth or transactions. The conservative Christian perspective sees wisdom as a divine gift from God, not something that can be earned or bought, reflecting the belief that true wisdom comes from a relationship with God and is a matter of the heart and spirit.

for gold
Gold, in ancient times as well as today, is a symbol of wealth and value. The Hebrew word "זהב" (zahav) is used here, representing the most precious metal known to the people of the time. The use of gold in this verse underscores the idea that even the most valuable earthly possessions are insufficient to obtain wisdom. This aligns with the biblical teaching that spiritual riches far surpass material wealth, as seen in Proverbs 16:16, "How much better to get wisdom than gold!"

nor its price
The term "price" in Hebrew is "מחיר" (mechir), which refers to the cost or value of something. This phrase indicates that wisdom's worth is beyond any monetary value. In a conservative Christian context, this highlights the belief that wisdom is a divine attribute, reflecting God's character and truth, which cannot be quantified or measured by human standards.

weighed out
The concept of weighing, "שקל" (shaqal) in Hebrew, involves measuring something's worth or value. In ancient times, precious metals were often weighed to determine their value. The imagery of weighing suggests a careful assessment, yet it emphasizes that wisdom's value transcends any scale or measure. This reflects the biblical understanding that God's wisdom is infinite and beyond human comprehension.

in silver
Silver, like gold, was a highly valued commodity in the ancient world. The Hebrew word "כסף" (kesef) is used here, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. By stating that wisdom cannot be weighed out in silver, the verse reinforces the message that no amount of earthly wealth can equate to the value of divine wisdom. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where spiritual treasures are prioritized over earthly riches (Matthew 6:19-21).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is engaged in a discourse about the nature of wisdom and its value.

2. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the backdrop for Job's trials and dialogues.

3. Wisdom
The abstract concept being discussed in Job 28. It is portrayed as invaluable and beyond human acquisition through material wealth.

4. Gold and Silver
Precious metals used as a metaphor for wealth and material value, highlighting the insufficiency of earthly riches to obtain true wisdom.

5. The Divine Discourse
The broader context of Job 28 is part of Job's speeches, where he reflects on the nature of wisdom and its divine origin.
Teaching Points
The Incomparable Value of Wisdom
True wisdom cannot be bought or measured by earthly standards. It is a divine gift that surpasses all material wealth.

The Source of Wisdom
Wisdom originates from God, and understanding this truth leads us to seek Him earnestly rather than relying on worldly possessions.

The Pursuit of Wisdom
Believers are encouraged to prioritize the pursuit of wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and a relationship with God, rather than seeking fulfillment in material wealth.

Wisdom and Contentment
Recognizing the value of wisdom leads to contentment, as we understand that our worth and fulfillment are found in God, not in material possessions.

Wisdom in Daily Life
Applying wisdom in our daily decisions reflects our understanding of its value and our commitment to living according to God's principles.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 28:15 challenge our society's view of wealth and success?

2. In what ways can we actively seek the wisdom that comes from God in our daily lives?

3. How does the portrayal of wisdom in Job 28 compare to the wisdom described in Proverbs 3:13-15?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our pursuit of wisdom is prioritized over material gain?

5. How does understanding Christ as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24-25) influence our approach to challenges and decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 3:13-15
This passage also emphasizes the incomparable value of wisdom, stating that it is more precious than rubies and nothing one desires can compare with her.

Matthew 13:44-46
Jesus' parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price illustrate the kingdom of heaven's value, akin to the wisdom described in Job 28.

1 Corinthians 1:24-25
Paul speaks of Christ as the wisdom of God, suggesting that true wisdom is found in a relationship with Jesus, surpassing human understanding.
Praises of Divine WisdomE. Johnson Job 28:1-28
The Search for WisdomW.F. Adeney Job 28:12-15
Culture and ReligionL. D. Bevan, D. D.Job 28:12-28
The Inestimable Value of True Wisdom, or ReligionDavid Roberts, D. D.Job 28:12-28
The Religious Use of WisdomDean Stanley.Job 28:12-28
The Search Alter WisdomE. M. Goulburn, D. G. L.Job 28:12-28
The Secret of WisdomCanon Scott Holland.Job 28:12-28
The Speculative Difficulties of an Inquiring Intellect Solved by the Heart of Practical PietyHomilistJob 28:12-28
People
Abaddon, Job, Ophir
Places
Ethiopia, Ophir, Uz
Topics
Can't, Choice, Exchange, Finest, Gold, Gotten, Obtained, Payment, Price, Pure, Silver, Thereof, Weighed, Weight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 28:12-19

     4333   gold

Job 28:12-27

     1180   God, wisdom of

Job 28:12-28

     6183   ignorance, of God

Library
December 4 Morning
Where shall wisdom be found?--JOB 28:12. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.--Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.--The only wise God.--Be not wise in thine own eyes. Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August the Twenty-Eighth Wisdom and Understanding
"The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom." --JOB xxviii. 12-28. Mere learning will not make me wise. The path to wisdom is not necessarily through the schools. The brilliant scholar may be an arrant fool. True wisdom is found, not in mental acquisitions, but in a certain spiritual relation. The wise man is known by the pose of his soul. He is "inclined toward the Lord!" He has returned unto his rest, and he finds light and vision in the fellowship of his Lord. "To depart from evil is understanding."
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Hidden Path
"There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen."--Job xxviii. 7. T. P. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 One place have I in heaven above The glory of His throne-- On this dark earth, whence He is gone, I have one place alone, And if His rest in Heaven I know, I joy to find His path below, We meet to own that place alone Around the broken bread-- The dead whose life is hid with Christ Remembering Jesus dead. For us has set the earthly light, Above, the glory; here,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Thy Footsteps are not Known
(From a MS. of the earlier part of the 14th Century) Job xxviii O path which no eagle knoweth, No vulture's eye hath seen, Where never the lion goeth, Nor the fierce lion's track hath been; Not in the land of the living That wondrous path is known, But Death and Destruction know it, Path trodden by One alone. Path of the lonely sorrow, Path of the Lamb who died, Path from the grave to the glory-- No other path beside. Into the golden Chamber, Into the secret place, Paul by that pathway entered,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Whether Fear is the Beginning of Wisdom
Whether Fear is the Beginning of Wisdom We proceed to the seventh article thus: 1. It seems that fear is not the beginning of wisdom. The beginning of a thing is a part of it. But fear is not a part of wisdom, since fear is in the appetitive power, whereas wisdom is in the intellectual power. Hence it seems that fear is not the beginning of wisdom. 2. Again, nothing is the beginning of itself. But it is said in Job 28:28: "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom." Hence it seems that fear is
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether Angels Know Secret Thoughts?
Objection 1: It would seem that the angels know secret thoughts. For Gregory (Moral. xviii), explaining Job 28:17: "Gold or crystal cannot equal it," says that "then," namely in the bliss of those rising from the dead, "one shall be as evident to another as he is to himself, and when once the mind of each is seen, his conscience will at the same time be penetrated." But those who rise shall be like the angels, as is stated (Mat. 22:30). Therefore an angel can see what is in another's conscience.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Grace of Christ is Infinite?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's grace is infinite. For everything immeasurable is infinite. But the grace of Christ is immeasurable; since it is written (Jn. 3:34): "For God doth not give the Spirit by measure to His Son [*'To His Son' is lacking in the Vulgate], namely Christ." Therefore the grace of Christ is infinite. Objection 2: Further, an infinite effect betokens an infinite power which can only spring from an infinite essence. But the effect of Christ's grace is infinite, since it
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Fear is the Beginning of Wisdom?
Objection 1: It would seem that fear is not the beginning of wisdom. For the beginning of a thing is a part thereof. But fear is not a part of wisdom, since fear is seated in the appetitive faculty, while wisdom is in the intellect. Therefore it seems that fear is not the beginning of wisdom. Objection 2: Further, nothing is the beginning of itself. "Now fear of the Lord, that is wisdom," according to Job 28:28. Therefore it seems that fear of God is not the beginning of wisdom. Objection 3: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Clarity is Becoming to the Glorified Body?
Objection 1: It would seem that clarity is unbecoming to the glorified body. Because according to Avicenna (Natural. vi, 2), "every luminous body consists of transparent parts." But the parts of a glorified body will not be transparent, since in some of them, such as flesh and bones, earth is predominant. Therefore glorified bodies are not lightsome. Objection 2: Further, every lightsome body hides one that is behind it; wherefore one luminary behind another is eclipsed, and a flame of fire prevents
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Purposes of God.
In discussing this subject I shall endeavor to show, I. What I understand by the purposes of God. Purposes, in this discussion, I shall use as synonymous with design, intention. The purposes of God must be ultimate and proximate. That is, God has and must have an ultimate end. He must purpose to accomplish something by his works and providence, which he regards as a good in itself, or as valuable to himself, and to being in general. This I call his ultimate end. That God has such an end or purpose,
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Whether Wisdom Should be Reckoned among the Gifts of the Holy Ghost?
Objection 1: It would seem that wisdom ought not to be reckoned among the gifts of the Holy Ghost. For the gifts are more perfect than the virtues, as stated above ([2705]FS, Q[68], A[8]). Now virtue is directed to the good alone, wherefore Augustine says (De Lib. Arb. ii, 19) that "no man makes bad use of the virtues." Much more therefore are the gifts of the Holy Ghost directed to the good alone. But wisdom is directed to evil also, for it is written (James 3:15) that a certain wisdom is "earthly,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
Luke 10:42 -- "But one thing is needful." It was the amiable character of our blessed Redeemer, that "he went about doing good," this great motive, which animated all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behavior there. Though it was a season of recess from public labor, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteousness into the parlor of a friend; and there his doctrine dropped as the rain, and distilled as the
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
'Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant,' &c. Heb 12:24. Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart. I shall waive the context, and only speak of that which concerns our present purpose. Having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shall speak now of the Mediator of the covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Concerning Continence Also Itself Hath it not Been Most Openly Said...
43. Concerning continence also itself hath it not been most openly said, "And when I knew that no one can be continent unless God give it, this also itself was a part of wisdom, to know whose gift it was?" [2177] But perhaps continence is the gift of God, but wisdom man bestows upon himself, whereby to understand, that that gift is, not his own, but of God. Yea, "The Lord maketh wise the blind:" [2178] and, "The testimony of the Lord is faithful, it giveth wisdom unto little ones:" [2179] and, "If
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary
The bread is Christ or conversation of the Lord; in the gospel: I am the living bread. [John 6:41] The wine is the same as above; in Solomon: and drink this wine, which I have blended for you. [Prov. 9:5] Olive oil is mercy or the Holy Spirit; in the psalm: I have anointed him with my holy oil. The same in another part: Let not the oil of the sinner, that is, admiration, touch my head. [Ps. 88(89):21(20); Ps. 140(141):5] Pork is sin; in the psalm: they are sated with pork. [Ps. 16(17):14 (unknown
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

The Pilgrim's Progress
FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME. THE SECOND PART. DELIVERED UNDER THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM. WHEREIN IS SET FORTH THE MANNER OF THE SETTING OUT OF CHRISTIAN'S WIFE AND CHILDREN, THEIR DANGEROUS JOURNEY, AND SAFE ARRIVAL AT THE DESIRED COUNTRY. By JOHN BUNYAN. 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Nathaniel Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, near the Church, 1684. THE AUTHOR'S WAY OF SENDING FORTH HIS SECOND PART OF THE PILGRIM. Go now, my little book, to every
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Letter ix. Meditation.
"Meditate upon these things."--1 TIM. 4:15. MY DEAR SISTER: The subject of this letter is intimately connected with that of the last; and in proportion to your faithfulness in the duty now under consideration, will be your interest in the word and worship of God. Religious meditation is a serious, devout and practical thinking of divine things; a duty enjoined in Scripture, both by precept and example; and concerning which, let us observe, 1. Its importance. That God has required it, ought to
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Job 28:15 NIV
Job 28:15 NLT
Job 28:15 ESV
Job 28:15 NASB
Job 28:15 KJV

Job 28:15 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Job 28:14
Top of Page
Top of Page