Mining for Wisdom
Job recounts mankind’s attempts to mine gold, iron, gemstones, and other precious things in today’s Bible reading*. But he asks where can someone mine wisdom, which is of far more value than these material things. He then points to God, saying that God knows where to find wisdom and fearing Him is wisdom, and turning from sin is understanding.
Solomon tells us that fearing God is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10) Wisdom is simply the application of knowledge.
Application
Well, that was way back then in Job’s day. Where do you find wisdom today Where is knowledge? The same place: Fearing God. But fearing God is more than being afraid of Him. Of course, we should be afraid of Him. Our God is a consuming fire. (Deuteronomy 4:24, Hebrews 12:29) He can destroy you and all that you hold dear! But for God’s covenant people, there isn’t that kind of fear. Being in covenant with Him means that we want to please Him, not because we’re scared of Him, but because we recognize that the Almighty King of the universe has established a covenant relationship with His people. How awesome is that?! How awe-inspiring is that?!
You get to know God like you get to know any other person: by spending time with Him. And the best place to know more of this Awe-inspiring God Who has established a covenant with His people is by saturating yourself in His Word. You have to log time in Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memory in addition to the other spiritual disciplines.
That’s what we’re trying to do this year reading through the Bible. You get to know a lot of God by reading the New Testament. But you get a fuller picture of God, His ways, His purposes, and His covenant with His people as you read the entire Bible. And it really helps to read it in a chronological manner (the order things happened and unfolded). It gives you the big picture and context for the New Testament.
Spend a few minutes today praising God for revealing Himself in His Word. Praise Him for preserving His Word through the ages. And use today’s Bible reading to fuel your praises and thanksgiving of God.
* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
Job 25
Job 26
Job 27
Job 28
This devotional was originally published on January 29, 2021.