1340. Where the True Wisdom Is Found

Where the True Wisdom Is Found

"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding" (Job_28:28).

Far back in the annals of history, Job asked the question of our theme. He said:

"But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.

It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.

No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.

The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?" (Job_28:12-20).

What we want is the true wisdom. It certainly cannot be found among the libraries of the world; it cannot be obtained from the schools of human philosophies.

The Bible tells us plainly: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."

Who is a wise man? Who is endued with knowledge? He whose wisdom descendeth from above; he who possesses the wisdom that is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (Jam_3:17).

We believe that even the marvelous statements concerning wisdom in the Book of Proverbs, refer not so much to the human wisdom as to the Divine. We know that in the classic halls of college and of university, the chapel speakers are accustomed to appeal to the Book of Proverbs for key words with which to press home upon the student body the value of the wisdom which they propose to impart in their study classes.

We doubt that this is altogether justifiable.

A close study of the Book of Proverbs reveals the meaning of true wisdom.

"For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Pro_2:6).

Along this same line, let us seek a passage from the Psalms:

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments" (Psa_111:10).

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR