Read Job 28:20-22

“Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air” (v. 21).

My dictionary says that wisdom is “accumulated philosophical or scientific learning.” Much effort, time, and money are spent to gain such wisdom, yet it seems the use of it would determine if it really is what it is said to be! I think of “wisdom” as the practical use of knowledge and insight. That makes wisdom more elusive, for simply knowing a lot has not always resulted in good choices. An ongoing question, though often unvoiced, is “How does one gain wisdom?” Earlier in this chapter Job asked, “Where shall wisdom be found?” (v. 12). In the New Testament James identified two kinds of wisdom. He said that worldly wisdom, which does not include God, “is earthly, sensual, devilish” resulting in “every evil work” (3:15, 16). Then he said, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated.” In chapter 1 he said, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (v. 5). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10)! (Rodney B. Stearns)

Wisdom ascribe, and might, and praise, To God, who lengthens out our days; O may we all the time redeem, And henceforth live and die to him! — Charles Wesley

To leave God out leaves proclaimed wisdom in doubt.