WISDOM FROM GOD
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “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, ESV
Theme: God is Master of all knowledge and wisdom.
WISDOM
The book of Job is part of the group of biblical stories considered wisdom literature which includes Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes. In today’s Scripture, Job is making a defense against accusations from his “friends,” and the word “Lord” is translated from the Hebrew word “Adonai.” Job was in the middle of intense suffering that he and his friends did not understand. God knew what was happening behind the scenes, but Job was in the dark about the spiritual battle. The difference between Job, who honored God and was wise, and his friends, who did not, was Job’s fear of Adonai above all else. Job turned away from evil and trusted God.
THE BIBLE SAYS...
There are some topics on which the Bible is very clear. The Old Testament and the Red Letters (words spoken by Jesus) align. Jesus spoke directly to His followers, instructing them directly and specifically. Other topics in the Bible have some direction, but it’s not clear that the same standard applies to everyone all the time. For example: God may ask one person to leave a city and another to remain in the city. One would sin by staying, the other would sin by leaving. Romans 14:1 explains that “disputable matters” (NIV) and “opinions” (ESV) are not worth quarreling about. Job and his friends were arguing over Job’s culpability for his suffering. Job claimed he was blameless, Job’s friends reasoned that couldn’t be true. We know that Job was right. I am humbled by the fact that, to me, some of the things Job’s misguided friends said sound reasonable! However, it turns out they are clearly wrong and in opposition to God.
ASK ADONAI
Sometimes I get it wrong because I think I know what the Bible says or how to interpret it and I rely on that knowledge rather than the guidance of the Spirit. For me, I have noticed an inverse relationship between the amount of study I do and the conviction I have that I understand it well. You would think that the more one studies, the greater confidence one would have in understanding. The Bible is rich, steeped in a culture different from our own and full of imagery and storytelling. Without God’s leading and gift of wisdom, I can easily misunderstand or misinterpret Scripture. This means that, when I look for answers, I can’t use the Bible like a textbook. Instead, when I look for answers, I ask Adonai the Lord and Master of all wisdom inside the Bible and out.
Make It Personal: What evidence do you have that wisdom is based on communication with God and not opinions? When you need clarity, what is the process you use to seek God? What passages or accounts in the Bible keep you humble and remind you to hold your own “knowledge” with an open hand?
Pray: Adonai, Lord and Master of all wisdom. Thank You for Your infinite wisdom and understanding. Help me to keep my own size in perspective and to rely on You for the answers. Help me to remain humble. I want to turn away from evil and fear You. Thank You for providing everything I need, starting with Jesus and continuing to wisdom and growth. You are a kind and patient Master. I am so thankful. Amen.
Read: Romans 14:1-12; Job 28:12-28, Galatians 5:25
Weekly Memory Verse: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1, ESV