JOB: What is True, Divine Wisdom? Worldly Wisdom is Often Confused with the Divine Kind (Part 3)
“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” – Job 28:28
Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes are the three specific books which round out the topic of wisdom in the OT. Today, we will specifically look at the last part, Job, and what role it plays in the trilogy.
As discussed last post, Proverbs offers a more generalized wisdom, assuming an ordered world, heavily focused on worldly orientation. Ecclesiastes demonstrates wisdom when the order of the world simply does not seem to adequately explain life‘s circumstances (i.e. bad things happening to good people, the wicked being rewarded versus punished, etc…). Job, on the other hand, imparts wisdom taking into consideration a situation occurring in the spiritual realm (a scenario to which mankind does not typically have clear visibility).
Among so many purposes for the book, one stands out prominently. Believers must always strive to trust in the LORD with all their heart and lean not on their own understanding, submitting to Him in all their ways, and He will make their paths straight in life (Prov 3:5-6)…even when it might seem difficult to do so. To fear God is not only the beginning of godly wisdom, but also the continual maintenance of it allows for our sanctification and proper divine understanding (1 Cor 2:6-16). Fearing the Lord is wisdom (Psalm 111:10)!
It was the fear of the Lord that ultimately provided Job the comfort and wisdom he needed to get through his epic suffering. Proverbial wisdom was faulty in Job’s case, along with worldly wisdom…neither could explain what Job went through. God‘s children must understand they may or may not obtain a reason for their earthly tribulation on this side of heaven. However, it should always be remembered, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Total trust in God and His Word should be fully sufficient for the believer in this life, including believing in Romans 8:28. In the book of Job, it ultimately concludes with an excellent example to follow in suffering; even before Romans 8:28 was ever penned. God‘s way is always best, and His chosen people must always have full confidence in this truth.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:4-7). This was written by a man that should have had absolutely no peace according to worldly logic, but learned to be content in all circumstances (Phil 4:11). Check out 2 Corinthians 11:23-28! Paul suffered intensely, but clearly had divine wisdom and simultaneously still said, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:16-18). Continual fear of the Lord is the only explanation for how rejoicing and extreme suffering could work together at the same time!
So what is true divine wisdom? There may be no better summary statement then this in the entire Bible as far as divine wisdom is concerned…”The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Eccl 12:13). It is the Godly path which imparts divine wisdom to the true Christ-follower, and will allow you to endure suffering in life while simultaneously praising God for His sufficiency and His lovingkindness always shown towards His children. Following this scriptural principle will result in possessing the wisdom of the Word. That was Job’s conclusion…what about yours? Do you have divine wisdom, or are you trying to explain things with worldly logic, constantly wrestling with God to try to understand why, but often don’t come up with suitable answers? If you’re continually trying to understand but can’t, it might be time for a trade-in…divine wisdom for the flawed worldly type! That is the ultimate message biblical wisdom literature is trying to convey. Divine wisdom will bring fulfillment, versus remaining confused trying to explain things that worldly wisdom simply cannot. Divine wisdom will enable you to be at peace, even during trials and tribulations, remaining thankful to God through it all. It’s a wonderful place to arrive at! It allows you to live your life the way God intended it to be lived.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer 29:11). Do you truly believe this applies to you? We need to be rejoicing in this wonderful truth and always living with this great hope in mind, despite any worldly circumstances, always keeping our mind focused on the indescribable and amazing eternity which lies ahead of us. Possessing and utilizing divine wisdom is the only way to have an inexpressible and glorious joy…and stay there! Living obediently and fully believing in God’s Word is the answer (Psa 119:105), repenting when you fail as Job did (Job 42:6). That is divine wisdom!!!