We often think of gifts during the Christmas season. We think of gifts that we get for those we love; we think of the gifts we have received; and most of all we think of the gift of salvation that came through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, as we come out of the Christmas season, I want to spend some time thinking on a different gift we find in God’s Word — wisdom.
Wisdom is not something we can buy at a store or get through mere effort. It is a gift from God.
“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be bought for gold, and silver cannot be weighed as its price.” — Job 28:12-15
Job understood that wisdom is not easily obtained. He was a wise man who was struggling with self-righteousness during his interaction with his three friends. However, in this section, he gives us an accurate description of wisdom. We often overlook the value of wisdom; we do not know its true worth. Wisdom cannot be bought like other gifts. While we can direct people towards wisdom, we cannot force it upon them or make sure they receive it. Job was dealing with friends who thought they were wise in their own eyes.
Job goes on to describe its value as follows:
Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; the price of wisdom is above pearls. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold.” — Job 28:17-19
Wisdom is more valuable than jewels or gold. It is of higher worth than crystal or pearls. Regardless of the commercials you hear about the value of gold, wisdom is far more valuable than pure gold.
What makes wisdom so valuable? Where does it come from?
God understands the way to it, and He knows its place.” — Job 28:23
True wisdom comes from God and God alone. We cannot discover it apart from Him. It is not something we earn apart from Him through our work and experience. This is important to understand. God established wisdom and reveals it to those who seek Him.
And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” — Job 28:28
Job’s words here line up with what Solomon would pen thousands of years later: “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:8). To fear and revere the Lord is true wisdom. When we fear and reverence Him above all else, all other things fall into their proper place. When we place Him first and seek Him our priorities will line up with His desires. Wisdom is not intellect or knowledge; it is knowing God and understanding His will. This gift is not one we can wrap and place under a tree, however, it is one we can pursue throughout our lives. We cannot force it upon other people, but we can direct people toward the source of wisdom. Solomon came to this conclusion after taking part in all that the world could offer:
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. — Ecclesiastes 12:13
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