January 24 – Reading 24

JANUARY 24 – Reading 24

by John Christian Pra | January 24

“WHERE’S YOUR WISDOM FROM?”
(Job 25:1 – 28:28)

“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…God understands the way to it, and he knows its place.” – Job 28:12-13, 23

What is “wisdom” anyways? This question has haunted people throughout history. The questions behind this question sound like this: What is the best way for me to live? Why do things happen the way they do? What is the source, the fountain, of this wisdom we are all in search of?

Our current age has been termed the “information age.” Information has never been more accessible. You get it on your phone (even when you don’t want to). You get it in your car on your way to work. You get it from your friends. You get it from strangers now, too. 

And yet, while information is more readily available, wisdom seems to be vanishing before our eyes. While more people seem to be talking, less people seem to know what they’re actually talking about. 

Job had this same issue with the people surrounding him. 

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Three of Job’s friends who stuck with him after he lost everything. And yet, the wisdom they shared actually steered Job away from life, not to it. 

True wisdom (as seen throughout Scripture and ultimately personified in Jesus) not only teaches us how to live well, but reveals where we find the very source of life. Job’s friends found themselves giving well-meaning advice, but terrible wisdom. James calls this type of wisdom “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (James 3:15). It may sound good at first, but in the end it leads us astray and ultimately away from God. 

But Job doesn’t submit to this wisdom. And today, we need to take Job’s example and discern the starting point of the wisdom we’re living by. 

Are you living the way your parents taught you? Is that way godly?
Are you following the footsteps of your siblings? Is that way leading to life?
Are you trusting where your friends are telling you to go? Is that pointing towards Jesus?
Are you imitating the culture you live in? Is that bringing you peace with God?

Job reminds us to question the source of our wisdom and he calls us to remember that knowing the One who knows all will lead us to true life. 

Think about it. Pray about it.

• As you go about your day, notice the places that you are “drawing wisdom” from. Are they leading you towards Jesus?
• Pray to Jesus to receive wisdom and walk in the fear of God that leads to wisdom and understanding.