Job 28:27
then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He established it and searched it out.
Then He looked at wisdom
In this phrase, the focus is on God’s active engagement with wisdom. The Hebrew word for "looked" is "ra'ah," which implies not just a casual glance but a deep, discerning observation. This suggests that God, in His omniscience, fully comprehends the essence and depth of wisdom. In the context of the Book of Job, this highlights the contrast between human understanding and divine insight. God’s ability to "look" at wisdom signifies His authority and mastery over it, reminding us that true wisdom originates from Him.

and appraised it
The term "appraised" comes from the Hebrew "saphar," which means to count, number, or evaluate. This indicates that God not only observes wisdom but also measures and values it according to His perfect standards. In a historical context, appraising was a common practice in trade and commerce, ensuring that items were valued correctly. Similarly, God’s appraisal of wisdom underscores its immeasurable worth and the importance of seeking divine wisdom over worldly knowledge.

He established it
Here, "established" is translated from the Hebrew "kun," meaning to set up, prepare, or make firm. This conveys the idea that God has firmly set wisdom in place as a foundational principle of creation. Theologically, this suggests that wisdom is not a fleeting or abstract concept but a stable, enduring truth that God has woven into the fabric of the universe. It reassures believers that God’s wisdom is reliable and unchanging, providing a solid foundation for life.

and examined it
The word "examined" is derived from the Hebrew "chakar," which means to search out or investigate thoroughly. This implies that God’s understanding of wisdom is exhaustive and complete. In the scriptural context, this examination is not for God’s benefit, as He is all-knowing, but for ours, demonstrating that His wisdom is perfect and all-encompassing. It encourages believers to trust in God’s wisdom, knowing that it has been thoroughly vetted and proven true by the Creator Himself.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. The book explores profound questions about God's justice and human suffering.

2. God
The Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who is depicted as the source of all wisdom in this passage.

3. Wisdom
Personified in this chapter as something that God alone fully understands and possesses. It is portrayed as a divine attribute that humans should seek.

4. Heavenly Council
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of Job includes scenes where God interacts with heavenly beings, emphasizing His supreme authority and wisdom.

5. Creation
The backdrop for this verse, as the chapter discusses the natural world and the hidden treasures of the earth, illustrating the depth and mystery of divine wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Divine Source of Wisdom
Wisdom originates from God, and He alone fully understands and possesses it. As believers, we should seek wisdom from Him through prayer and study of His Word.

The Value of Wisdom
Just as God appraised and established wisdom, we should recognize its value in our lives. Pursuing wisdom leads to a deeper understanding of God's will and purpose.

The Process of Gaining Wisdom
God examined wisdom, indicating a process of discernment and understanding. We are called to diligently study and apply God's Word to grow in wisdom.

Wisdom in Creation
The natural world reflects God's wisdom. Observing creation can lead us to a greater appreciation of His power and intelligence.

Wisdom and Suffering
In the context of Job, wisdom is crucial for navigating suffering. Trusting in God's wisdom can provide comfort and guidance during trials.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that God is the source of all wisdom impact your daily decision-making?

2. In what ways can you actively seek God's wisdom in your life, and how does this align with James 1:5?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did seeking God's wisdom help you navigate it?

4. How does the portrayal of wisdom in Job 28 compare to its personification in Proverbs 8, and what can we learn from these similarities?

5. Considering Colossians 2:3, how does your relationship with Christ influence your pursuit of wisdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 8
This chapter personifies wisdom similarly to Job 28, describing it as present with God at the creation of the world, highlighting its divine origin and value.

James 1:5
This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom comes from God alone.

Colossians 2:3
Paul speaks of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, connecting the pursuit of wisdom to a relationship with Jesus.
Praises of Divine WisdomE. Johnson Job 28:1-28
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
Wisdom Hidden from ManR. Green Job 28:20-27
People
Abaddon, Job, Ophir
Places
Ethiopia, Ophir, Uz
Topics
Appraised, Completely, Confirmed, Declare, Declared, Declareth, Established, Fixed, Form, Prepared, Record, Searched, Searching, Tested, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 28:12-27

     1180   God, wisdom of

Job 28:12-28

     6183   ignorance, of God

Job 28:25-27

     4854   weather, God's sovereignty

Job 28:25-28

     7915   confirmation

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

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