Paula @ Gracefilled Moments I recently finished reading the book of Job again. Despite having read it before, I found myself still struggling with its complexities, particularly the question of suffering. I really wanted to understand. It wasn’t until I reached the end, where God’s ultimate intent is revealed, that a sense of clarity emerged. The experience was so impactful that I immediately went back for a second read, seeking to grasp its deeper truths. During this second pass, when I intentionally read more slowly and thought more deeply about what I was reading, one verse in particular, Job 28:28, captivated my attention. I found myself pausing and reflecting for several minutes—Okay, more like several days—intrigued by its words and reflecting on their powerful meaning and allowing them to resonate with me.
And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom and to shun evil is understanding.”
Job 28:28 (NIV)
The book of Job is a profound and often perplexing journey through suffering, faith, and divine mystery. It tells the story of a righteous man named Job who loses everything—his wealth, his children, and his health—not because of any sin he committed, but as a result of a cosmic wager between God and Satan. Throughout the book, Job’s friends offer conventional, yet flawed, theological explanations for his suffering, insisting that he must have sinned to deserve such punishment.
Job, however, maintains his innocence, wrestling with his pain and questioning God’s justice— yes, he actually questioned God. The book of Job is about the nature of faith in the face of suffering that defies explanation. It shows us that true righteousness isn’t about receiving rewards for good behavior but about trusting God even when his ways are beyond our comprehension. Ultimately, God’s intent isn’t to justify himself to Job, but to reveal his own unsearchable power and wisdom, reminding Job that he is the creator of the universe and that human wisdom is limited.
The Meaning
In the midst of Job’s struggle to understand his suffering and his friends’ misguided advice, chapter 28 stands out as a poetic interlude on the nature of wisdom. After a beautiful exploration of how humans can mine the earth for precious gems and metals, the text pivots to ask where true wisdom can be found. It concludes that wisdom is not found in the earth’s depths, nor can it be bought with gold or silver. The climax of this reflection is Job 28:28 (NIV): “And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’
This verse isn’t just a simple proverb; it’s a powerful revelation. “The fear of the Lord” doesn’t mean being terrified of God in a cowering sense.
Instead, it refers to a deep, reverential awe and respect for his holiness, power, and authority. This reverence leads to a life of worship, obedience, and trust.
The second part of the verse, “to shun evil is understanding,” connects this reverence directly to our actions. True understanding isn’t a matter of intellectual knowledge alone; it’s a practical wisdom that leads us to turn away from what is harmful and destructive, both to ourselves and others.
The wisdom that Job sought in his suffering, and that his friends could not provide, is found in a right relationship with God—one built on reverence and obedience.
What it Means for Us
Job 28:28 offers a timeless truth for our lives today. We often seek wisdom in countless places: friends, books, seminars, financial advice, or self-help gurus. While these can be helpful, they can’t provide the foundational wisdom that gives meaning to all other knowledge. The verse challenges us to REORIENT our search for wisdom away from worldly pursuits and toward a relationship with God. When we anchor our lives in reverence for him, we gain a perspective that transcends our immediate circumstances.
This “fear of the Lord” is the very foundation for living a life of purpose and integrity. It provides the moral compass to “shun evil,” helping us make choices that align with God’s character and lead to genuine flourishing.
Takeaway
The ultimate lesson from Job 28:28 is that the most valuable treasure we can possess isn’t a solution to all of our problems, but a deep and abiding relationship with our creator. This wisdom, born of reverence for God, enables us to navigate life’s storms with faith and integrity, knowing that even when we don’t understand the “why” behind our suffering, we can always trust in the “who.”
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So much of the book of Job is difficult to understand, but this truth stands out to me – that we can trust God no matter what, even if we don’t understand. Maybe especially when we don’t understand!
Your reflections on Job touched me deeply. Job 28:28 truly holds the heart of wisdom, and you explained it so beautifully. It’s such a comfort to be reminded that we don’t always need to understand the “why,” as long as we hold on to the “Who.” Thank you for pointing me back to that truth today. 🌿
“The ultimate lesson from Job 28:28 is that the most valuable treasure we can possess isn’t a solution to all of our problems, but a deep and abiding relationship with our creator.” Amen! This post is both comforting and encouraging, Paula. We can so want the answers to our questions, but all we need to know is the One who has all the answers and is sovereign over all. Blessings!
I like the idea of anchoring our life. When life is stormy it’s good to have something that keeps you grounded.
It is always hard to understand the “why” when bad things happen. You made such a good point in stating we can trust the “who”.