◄ Job 28 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Where Can Wisdom Be Found? 1“Surely there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. 2Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. 3Man puts an end to the darkness; he probes the farthest recesses for ore in deepest darkness. 4Far from human habitation he cuts a shaft in places forgotten by the foot of man. Far from men he dangles and sways. 5Food may come from the earth, but from below it is transformed as by fire. 6Its rocks are the source of sapphires, containing flecks of gold. 7No bird of prey knows that path; no falcon’s eye has seen it. 8Proud beasts have never trodden it; no lion has ever prowled over it. 9The miner strikes the flint; he overturns mountains at their base. 10He hews out channels in the rocks, and his eyes spot every treasure. 11He stops upa the sources of the streams to bring what is hidden to light. 12But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? 13No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. 14The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ 15It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. 16It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. 17Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. 18Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. 19Topaz from Cushb cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. 20From where, then, does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell? 21It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air. 22Abaddonc and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor about it.’ 23But God understands its way, and He knows its place. 24For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. 25When God fixed the weight of the wind and measured out the waters, 26when He set a limit for the rain and a path for the thunderbolt, 27then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He established it and searched it out. 28And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Footnotes: 11 a Hebrew; LXX and Vulgate He searches 19 b That is, the upper Nile region 22 c Abaddon means Destruction. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 28 Summary Where Can Wisdom Be Found? Verses 1–6 – Hidden Treasures in the Earth Job paints humanity digging deep shafts, bringing light into darkness, extracting silver, gold, iron, copper, even sapphire-flecked rock. Skill, courage, and persistence fill the scene, yet the richest of treasures remain out of sight. Verses 7–11 – Human Ingenuity and Limits Birds and beasts never find these veins, but people carve through rock, suspend by ropes, and dam up streams to expose what was hidden. Job applauds human creativity while hinting that all this toil accesses only physical things. Verses 12–19 – The Search for Wisdom Suddenly the narrative pivots: “But where can wisdom be found?” Neither land, sea, nor the deepest abyss possesses it. No pile of gold, onyx, sapphire, coral, or topaz can purchase it. Wisdom’s worth is beyond price. Verses 20–22 – The Hiddenness of Wisdom The inquiry repeats. Even Abaddon and Death—the grave itself—know only rumors. Wisdom stays concealed from every living creature. Verses 23–28 – God Alone Knows Wisdom Only the Creator sees all. The One who balanced wind and rain also “looked at wisdom” and framed it. His verdict is timeless: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” Job 28 is an interlude in the book of Job, veering away from the dialogues between Job and his friends. In this poetic chapter, Job ponders the elusive nature of wisdom and understanding, comparing them to precious metals that are hard to mine from the depths of the earth. He emphasizes that these are invaluable, inaccessible, and ultimately come from God. Historical Setting Job 28 stands within the dialogue section, serving as a pause for reflection. Its mining details match the early second millennium BC, an age of flourishing copper mines at Timna and gold ventures linked to Ophir. The poetic lines mirror classic Hebrew wisdom literature. Mining and Metallurgy in the Ancient World • Copper shafts at Timna (Gulf of Aqaba) date c. 1900–1300 BC. • Hittite iron working in Anatolia aligns with “iron… from the earth” (v 2). • Gold of Ophir (v 16) appears again in 1 Kings 9:28. • Sapphire likely refers to lapis lazuli imported from Afghanistan. • Verse 4’s swinging miners match rope marks found in Jordanian copper shafts. Literary Structure and Poetic Devices • Three movements: human skill (1-11), human inability (12-22), God’s supremacy (23-28). • Repetition of “where?” drives the riddle. • Personifications—Sea, Deep, Abaddon—create drama. • Parallelism couples “wisdom” and “understanding,” stressing moral insight. The Theme of Wisdom in Scripture • Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13 echo v 28. • James 3:17 describes wisdom’s moral fruits, paralleling “turning from evil.” • 1 Corinthians 1:30 identifies Christ as God’s wisdom, fulfilling Job’s quest. Connections to Job’s Dialogue • Job 12:13 already ascribes wisdom to God. • Friends boast of wisdom (11:6; 15:8); chapter 28 quietly refutes them. • It foreshadows God’s speeches (38-41) about creation’s mysteries. Archaeological Notes • Bronze-age slag heaps near Eilat confirm large-scale smelting. • Ugaritic ostraca list gems like those in vv 16-19, showing ancient luxury trade. • Abandoned shafts exhibit the “swinging” imagery of v 4. Practical Application • Technological progress excels yet cannot uncover life’s ultimate meaning. • True insight flows from revering God and rejecting evil (Matthew 6:19-20). • “Turn away” (v 28) calls for choices in speech, finance, and relationships. Christological Reflection Jesus embodied Job 28:28—perfect reverence (John 17:4) and sinless life (Hebrews 4:15). Colossians 2:3 locates “all the treasures of wisdom” in Him, answering the chapter’s question. Comparative Passages in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes • Proverbs 3:13-18 pictures wisdom as priceless riches. • Ecclesiastes 7:24 admits wisdom’s elusiveness, echoing Job 28. • Proverbs 8 places wisdom at creation’s side, paralleling vv 25-27. Key Words and Phrases • “Mine” (v 1) — effort and exploration. • “Brings what is hidden to light” (v 11) — foreshadows divine revelation. • “Fear of the LORD” (v 28) — awe-filled obedience. • “Turn away from evil” (v 28) — the practical face of wisdom. Outline of the Chapter 1-11 Human mining triumphs 12-19 Human inability to buy wisdom 20-22 The riddle restated 23-27 God alone perceives wisdom 28 Divine definition: fear and obedience The Fear of the LORD (v 28) More than dread, it is a settled recognition that God is God, leading to obedience (Deuteronomy 10:12-13), hatred of evil (Proverbs 8:13), and confidence (Proverbs 14:26). For Job—and for every reader—this is where true understanding begins. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Colossians 2:3 In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Teaching Points The Limits of Human Discovery Job 28:1-11 describes humanity's ability to discover and extract precious resources from the earth, highlighting human ingenuity and effort. Yet, despite these achievements, wisdom remains beyond human grasp. The Incomparable Value of Wisdom In verses 12-19, Job emphasizes that wisdom cannot be bought with gold or silver, nor can it be valued in terms of precious stones. Its worth surpasses all earthly treasures. The Hidden Nature of Wisdom Verses 20-22 pose the question of where wisdom can be found, acknowledging that it is hidden from the eyes of all living creatures and even from the depths of the earth. God as the Source of Wisdom Job concludes in verses 23-28 that God alone understands the way to wisdom. He has established it and declared, The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding (Job 28:28). Practical Applications Seek God for True Wisdom Recognize that true wisdom comes from God and seek Him through prayer and the study of His Word. Value Wisdom Above Material Wealth Prioritize the pursuit of wisdom over the accumulation of material possessions, understanding its eternal significance. Live in Reverence to God Embrace the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom, leading to a life that turns away from evil and aligns with God's will. People 1. Miners These are the individuals described in the opening verses who search deep within the earth for precious metals and stones. The passage highlights their skill and determination in uncovering hidden treasures, symbolizing the human quest for knowledge and understanding. The Hebrew root for "miners" (חֹצְבֵי, "chotzvei") relates to those who dig or hew. 2. God While not directly named in the early verses, God is the ultimate source of wisdom, as revealed later in the chapter. The text emphasizes that true wisdom and understanding belong to God alone, and He is the one who knows the way to it. The Hebrew name for God used in this context is often "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), denoting His power and sovereignty. 3. Man Humanity is referenced throughout the chapter as those who seek wisdom but cannot find it on their own. The limitations of human understanding are contrasted with the divine wisdom of God. The Hebrew term for man used here is "אָדָם" (Adam), representing mankind in general. Places 1. Earth The chapter begins by discussing the earth as a source of valuable resources, such as silver and gold. The Hebrew word used here is "אֶרֶץ" (erets), which generally refers to the land or ground. 2. Darkness This is not a physical place but is described as a realm where miners work to extract precious stones and metals. The Hebrew word "חֹשֶׁךְ" (choshek) signifies obscurity or a lack of light. 3. Deep Referring to the depths of the earth where miners search for treasures. The Hebrew term "תְּהוֹם" (tehom) is used, often meaning the deep or abyss. 4. Sea The sea is mentioned as a place where wisdom cannot be found, emphasizing its elusiveness. The Hebrew word "יָם" (yam) is used, which means sea or large body of water. 5. Abyss Similar to the deep, it is another term used to describe a place where wisdom is not found. The Hebrew "אֲבַדּוֹן" (abaddon) is used, often translated as destruction or abyss. Events 1. Mining for Precious Metals and Stones (Job 28:1-11) The chapter begins by describing human endeavors to extract valuable resources from the earth. "Surely there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined" (Job 28:1). The passage details the lengths to which people go to find silver, gold, iron, and copper, illustrating human ingenuity and determination. The Hebrew word for "mine" (מָקוֹם, maqom) emphasizes a specific place or location for these activities. 2. The Hidden Nature of Wisdom (Job 28:12-14) Despite the ability to find precious metals, the text questions, "But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?" (Job 28:12). This rhetorical question highlights the contrast between tangible resources and the intangible nature of wisdom. The Hebrew word for "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah) signifies skill, insight, and moral understanding, which cannot be mined or purchased. 3. Inaccessibility of Wisdom to Humans (Job 28:15-19) The passage continues by asserting that wisdom cannot be bought with gold or silver, nor can it be valued with precious stones like onyx or sapphire. "It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire" (Job 28:16). This emphasizes the priceless and incomparable nature of wisdom. 4. Wisdom's Concealment from All Living Beings (Job 28:20-22) The text reiterates the question of wisdom's location, stating that it is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air. "Abaddon and Death say, 'We have heard a rumor about it with our ears'" (Job 28:22). The Hebrew term "Abaddon" (אֲבַדּוֹן) refers to a place of destruction, symbolizing the depths of the earth and the afterlife, where even there, wisdom is only rumored. 5. God as the Source of Wisdom (Job 28:23-27) The chapter concludes by affirming that God alone understands the way to wisdom. "God understands its way, and He knows its place" (Job 28:23). The passage describes God's omniscience and creative power, as He established the world and set the forces of nature in motion. The Hebrew word for "understands" (בִּין, bin) implies discernment and comprehension, attributes of God alone. 6. The Fear of the Lord as True Wisdom (Job 28:28) The final verse provides the key to wisdom: "And He said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding'" (Job 28:28). This statement encapsulates the biblical principle that reverence for God and moral integrity are the essence of true wisdom. The Hebrew word for "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) conveys awe, respect, and reverence, foundational to a wise life. Lessons from Job 28 1. The Quest for Wisdom In Job 28, we embark on a journey to uncover the true source of wisdom. The chapter opens with a vivid description of mankind's relentless pursuit of precious metals and hidden treasures. Yet, it reminds us that wisdom cannot be mined or purchased. "But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?" (Job 28:12). This verse invites us to seek wisdom not in earthly riches, but in the divine. 2. The Limits of Human Understanding Job 28 highlights the limitations of human knowledge. Despite our advancements and discoveries, there are mysteries beyond our grasp. "Man does not comprehend its worth, and it cannot be found in the land of the living" (Job 28:13). This humbling truth encourages us to rely on God's infinite understanding rather than our own. 3. The Incomparable Value of Wisdom The chapter emphasizes that wisdom is more valuable than the finest gold or jewels. "It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire" (Job 28:16). This comparison challenges us to prioritize spiritual insight over material wealth, recognizing that true wisdom enriches our lives in ways that money cannot. 4. The Elusiveness of Wisdom Job 28 poetically illustrates the elusive nature of wisdom. Just as miners dig deep into the earth for hidden treasures, we must diligently seek wisdom. "It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air" (Job 28:21). This pursuit requires patience and perseverance, reminding us that the journey itself is part of the reward. 5. The Source of Wisdom The chapter ultimately reveals that God alone is the source of true wisdom. "God understands the way to it, and He alone knows its location" (Job 28:23). This profound truth calls us to turn to God in our quest for understanding, trusting that He will guide us with His perfect knowledge. 6. The Role of Creation Job 28 beautifully describes how creation itself testifies to God's wisdom. "When He fixed the weight of the wind and measured out the waters" (Job 28:25). The natural world reflects the order and intelligence of its Creator, inviting us to marvel at His handiwork and seek His wisdom in all things. 7. The Fear of the Lord The chapter concludes with a powerful declaration: "And He said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding'" (Job 28:28). This verse encapsulates the essence of true wisdom—reverence for God and a commitment to righteousness. It challenges us to align our lives with His will. 8. The Call to Humility Job 28 reminds us of the importance of humility in our pursuit of wisdom. Recognizing our limitations and acknowledging God's sovereignty is the first step toward true understanding. This humility opens our hearts to receive divine insight and guidance. 9. The Invitation to Trust In a world filled with uncertainty, Job 28 invites us to place our trust in God. His wisdom is unchanging and reliable, offering us a firm foundation in times of doubt. By leaning on His understanding, we find peace and direction for our lives. 10. The Promise of Revelation Finally, Job 28 assures us that God desires to reveal His wisdom to those who seek it earnestly. As we draw near to Him, He promises to illuminate our path and grant us the understanding we need. This promise encourages us to pursue a deeper relationship with our Creator, confident that He will lead us in truth. Topics 1. The Search for Earthly Treasures (Job 28:1-11) This section describes humanity's efforts to mine and extract valuable resources from the earth. The passage highlights the ingenuity and determination of humans to find precious metals and stones. The Hebrew word for "mine" (מַכְרוֹת, makrot) emphasizes the hidden and deep nature of these treasures. "Surely there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined." (Job 28:1) 2. The Elusiveness of Wisdom (Job 28:12-14) Here, the text shifts to the theme of wisdom, questioning where it can be found. Despite human ability to find physical treasures, wisdom remains elusive. The Hebrew term for wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah) suggests skill and insight that are beyond mere human discovery. "But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?" (Job 28:12) 3. The Incomparable Value of Wisdom (Job 28:15-19) This section emphasizes that wisdom cannot be purchased with gold or silver, nor can it be valued against precious stones. The passage underscores the incomparable worth of wisdom, which surpasses all earthly riches. "It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver." (Job 28:15) 4. The Hidden Nature of Wisdom (Job 28:20-22) The text reiterates the hiddenness of wisdom, stating that it is concealed from all living creatures and even from the depths of the earth. The Hebrew word for "hidden" (נֶעֶלְמָה, ne'elemah) conveys the idea of being concealed or kept secret. "From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell?" (Job 28:20) 5. God as the Source of Wisdom (Job 28:23-27) This section reveals that God alone understands the way to wisdom and knows its place. It is God who established the natural order and comprehends the entirety of creation. The passage highlights God's omniscience and sovereignty. "God understands its way, and He knows its place." (Job 28:23) 6. The Fear of the Lord as True Wisdom (Job 28:28) The chapter concludes with the declaration that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom, and turning away from evil is understanding. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that reverence for God is the foundation of wisdom. The Hebrew word for "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) implies awe and reverence. "And He said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'" (Job 28:28) Themes 1. The Search for Wisdom Job 28 begins with a metaphorical exploration of mining, illustrating humanity's quest for valuable resources. This search symbolizes the deeper pursuit of wisdom, which is more precious than earthly treasures. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), emphasizes skill and insight, suggesting that true wisdom is a divine gift rather than a human achievement. 2. The Limits of Human Understanding Verses 12-14 highlight the limitations of human understanding, asking, "But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?" This theme underscores the idea that despite human efforts and intelligence, true wisdom cannot be fully comprehended or attained through human means alone. 3. The Inaccessibility of Wisdom The passage emphasizes that wisdom is beyond the reach of human wealth and cannot be purchased with gold or silver (verses 15-19). This theme reflects the Hebrew concept that wisdom is a divine attribute, not a commodity, and it is not subject to human valuation or acquisition. 4. The Divine Source of Wisdom Verses 23-28 reveal that God alone understands the way to wisdom and knows its place. The theme here is that wisdom originates from God, who "sees everything under the heavens." The Hebrew root "רָאָה" (ra'ah) for "sees" implies a comprehensive understanding that only God possesses. 5. The Fear of the Lord as True Wisdom The chapter concludes with the declaration, "The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding" (verse 28). This theme encapsulates the biblical principle that reverence for God and moral integrity are the foundation of true wisdom. The Hebrew word "יִרְאָה" (yirah) for "fear" conveys a sense of awe and respect, indicating that wisdom is rooted in a proper relationship with God. Prayer Points Pray for a deeper understanding and reverence for God, acknowledging Him as the source of all wisdom. Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in discerning and applying God's wisdom in daily life. Seek God's help in valuing wisdom above worldly possessions and ambitions, aligning priorities with His eternal perspective. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Job 28 claim humans search the depths of the earth (Job 28:1-4) when ancient mining technology was so limited? 2. Why does the chapter describe hidden treasures of nature yet fail to mention methods beyond ancient superstition for finding them (Job 28)? 3. If Job 28:5 implies far-reaching knowledge of earth’s processes, why does it not align with modern geological understanding? 4. How does Job 28:25’s statement about God “weighing the wind” square with earlier biblical passages that treat weather as solely divine intervention? 5. Why does Job 28 offer poetic descriptions of wisdom’s source without reconciling them with scientific or pagan wisdom traditions of the time? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Job's description of mining in verses 1-6 relate to the search for wisdom? 2. What does it mean that no bird or beast has seen the path to wisdom (verses 7-11)? 3. How does the value of wisdom compare to worldly riches as described in verses 12-19? 4. Why do you think wisdom is described as elusive and beyond human reach? 5. What is the significance of wisdom being with God during the creation of the universe (verses 20-27)? 6. What does the chapter tell us about the relationship between fear of God and wisdom? 7. How does Job 28 encourage you to approach the pursuit of wisdom in your life? 8. How can you apply the understanding that "to shun evil is understanding" in your daily life? 9. How does this chapter challenge the way we often associate wisdom with education or intelligence? 10. What areas of your life need more of God's wisdom and understanding? How can you seek that? 11. How does the idea of wisdom being more valuable than gold or jewels resonate with you in our materialistic society? 12. How can the humility inherent in acknowledging our need for God's wisdom shape our relationships and decision-making? 13. How can we seek God's wisdom when facing challenging situations? 14. In what ways does this chapter inspire you to value divine wisdom over human knowledge? 15. How does the concept of fearing the Lord as wisdom apply to contemporary societal issues? 16. Can you identify a situation in which you relied on your own understanding instead of seeking God's wisdom? How did it turn out? 17. How does the elusiveness of wisdom in this chapter compare to the easy access of information in our digital age? 18. How can we maintain a reverence for God and a focus on wisdom in a world that often values material wealth and status? 19. If wisdom is more about character (fearing God, shunning evil) than about knowledge, how does it influence your understanding of wisdom? 20. In your own words, what does this chapter say about where and how we should seek wisdom and understanding? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions