Job Chapter 28
Please read: Job 28 –
In a previous chapter Job was told by his friends that he should listen to their wisdom. They were possibly older than him and so they thought that meant that they were wiser. Job, however, taught them about wisdom, wisdom that is not gained from vain philosophies or religion, but true wisdom. True wisdom comes from God. And Job will use a poem to entice his listeners to think about the preciousness of true wisdom.
Let's Reflect
1. Job’s poem is about mining rare earth minerals. The point he is making is that it is not easy to obtain the minerals and gems. According to verse 3 where do men have to go in order to search out these minerals?
2. From the earth’s surface we might get something as wonderful as bread, but underneath the surface are things that are much more valuable. What does Job say is happening underneath the surface that is causing the formation of some of these minerals?
3. I love how in verse 7 he mentions birds that can fly high in the sky above the earth that are not able to see these hidden gems. What other animal does he mention that prowls in remote places, but has not seen the gems in the earth?
4. In verses 8-11 Job describes the ingenuity of men. Men are clever and industrious and can invent things to help them find what is hidden in the earth. But the important key of the chapter is what they cannot find through their own ingenuity. According to verse 12 what is it that men cannot find of their own accord?
5. Job stated that it is more valuable than any gems or minerals found in the earth. What are some of those valuable hidden gems mentioned in verses 11-19?
6. True wisdom and understanding are hidden from birds that can fly high over the earth, hidden from the eyes of all living, and from the realm of the dead (Abaddon and Death). What rumor did they all hear about where wisdom can be found?
7. God who is the great creator of all things is where true wisdom is found. What are some things that Job listed in verses 24-27 that describe the greatness of God?
8. Job said that God gave us the answer to the question posed in verse 9. What did Job say was God’s direction for finding true wisdom? And how will a man have understanding?
Now read the last verse again and place an emphasis on the word “that”.
9. If Job knew and taught his friends that to gain wisdom and understanding one needs to turn away from evil, would he not have done this if he was indeed harboring some unknown sin?
