Job 27 - 28

Job's Final Speeches

Job closes out his case before his friends and God in five chapters (including today's two).  He begins his final appeal by declaring again his innocence and integrity.  To accede to the demands of his three friends and admit to something he did not do is reprehensible to Job. His adamant tone leaves no questions, "I will never concede that you are right; I will defend my integrity until I die. I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live." (27:5-6).  He then begins to lay out the fate of the wicked in a speech that is eerily reflective of those his friends gave.

Chapter 28 is an interlude on the wisdom of God.  Some scholars believe this is the author of Job speaking and not Job himself.  In either case, the words are a beautiful teaching on wisdom.  Man seeks wisdom and understand but cannot find it.  They mine the earth and find its treasures riches. The employ sophisticated methods to extract the wealth from the earth. The find what no animal can find or what no bird can see.  Yet in all their efforts, Job asks, "But how do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding" (v. 12).

No one can find true wisdom in mankind.  The earth does not hold it.  It cannot be purchased, even with great riches and precious jewels.  It in hidden from the mind of man. Nature does not reveal wisdom, and death and destruction know nothing of it. (vs 13-22).

Only God understands the way to wisdom (v. 23). His whole creation is a reflection of his wisdom and understanding.  For mankind the way is told by God (v. 28), "The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding."

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word