February 18 Daily Devotional

The Wisdom to Break the Deadlock

Peter G. Feenstra

“Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’ ” (Job 28:27–28)

Bible Reading

Job 28:1–12, 20

Devotional

Do you know how to act wisely and with understanding in all situations? Where can you find the wisdom to speak the right words and act properly? Sometimes we think wisdom is only needed to deal with tough issues and problems that have no cut and dry solutions. However, wisdom is needed to react responsibly in every occurrence or predicament. Wisdom is a necessary ingredient of both our private and public life.

Job 28 is a hymn praising the only wise God who is wise and who makes wise, who created the world in wisdom and who recreates His people in wisdom. Job’s words are not uttered in a comfortable environment but from the garbage heap where he sits suffering intense pain and misery. Job tries to come to grips with the reason for his suffering.

Even though Job knows his Redeemer lives, he struggles. Satan keeps exerting pressure on him in an unyielding and determined effort to make Job curse God. In the meantime, Job’s three friends keep trying to solve the riddle of his anguish and agony. They believe suffering does not come on the righteous. With several speeches they try to convince Job that he must have committed a terrible sin. If only he would admit his guilt! Job, however, is not impressed and disputes their arguments. When his friends boast of their insight and wisdom he mocks them, saying, “No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.” (12:2) Later on he tells them to keep quiet; that would be their wisdom (13:5). In answering Bildad’s third speech Job remarks sarcastically, “How have you helped him who is without power? ... How have you counseled one who has no wisdom?” (26:2-3)

By the time we reach chapter 28 the talks between Job and his friends have come to an impasse. Everything that could be said has been said. So who has the wisdom to break the deadlock? Where is the wisdom that will solve the riddle? Taking us on a remarkable search Job concludes that only God can solve his riddles. Wisdom has its source in God. Those who fear God and depart from evil will be given the wisdom to know where their life is heading. At the start of each new day we can take great comfort in knowing the Lord will provide us with the wisdom we need to respond correctly to the challenges of the day.

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