Where Is Wisdom Found?
Open Your Bible
Job 28:1-28, Job 29:1-25, Proverbs 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:28–31
BY Andrea Lucado
I have a new addiction, and it’s called YouTube. A couple of weeks ago, my doctor prescribed a new diet for me. I got on YouTube to see if anyone had tried it and had any meal ideas. Approximately two-hundred million people have and they do. I watched approximately two-hundred million of their videos. Each day I visit again, hoping to learn more.
There’s nothing wrong with looking up a recipe on YouTube, but when forty-five minutes have passed, and I’m still watching people talk about “What I Eat in a Day” or “How I Grocery Shop,” it could be that I am looking for more than a simple recipe. Like the gold and silver miners Job describes, I am probing the “dark recesses” for something valuable.
In today’s reading, Job describes the difficulty of finding and attaining wisdom. According to him, wisdom is invaluable, almost impossible to find, and only known to God (Job 28:20,13,23).
The way to wisdom. That is the ultimate aim of my search. To know what is good, right, and wise. And yet, I am looking for it in the wrong place. I am mining for gold, not wisdom.
Do you know what happens after I spend forty-five minutes watching videos of chefs and health gurus? I don’t actually get more knowledgeable. I get more confused. With so many different opinions about what to eat and when, I don’t know whose voice to heed.
Job’s quest for wisdom does not lead him to a certain location or web address. It leads him to Almighty God: “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom. And to turn from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).
Though the internet will convince us otherwise, as Christ-followers, we have access to this wisdom and understanding. As Paul told the church in Corinth, “But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became God-given wisdom for us” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Christ is the physical manifestation of God-given wisdom, and with our knowledge of the Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have access to this wisdom. The Gospels tell us how Jesus ministered, prayed, made decisions, and treated others. The Holy Spirit indwells us so that we can discern how to use Christ-like wisdom in our everyday lives.
God-given wisdom does not leave us confused. It does not make us question whose voice to heed or what to do. God-given wisdom is clear. It is written in the Word, and it has been written on our hearts. This is why forty-five minutes spent reading the Gospels does not create the same angst and confusion as forty-five minutes spent online.
As we venture out on our quests for wisdom, let us seek true, God-given wisdom. Let us turn first to the life of Christ. For if He is in you, so is wisdom.
33 thoughts on "Where Is Wisdom Found?"
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The point made about spending 45 minutes online and being left with anxiety was an eye opener for me. I search constantly for answers on one topic or another. Yet, I am left (even when I find the answers) with this anxiousness of wasted time spent searching. It occurs to me that balance is not even the answer. It is starting and ending with our FATHER! In that seeking of his face , he will guide us to the answers we need (even online) so that our true focus on Him can be realized! Pray without ceasing can take many forms throughout the day. I have found myself conversing with God on silly things. The more I am online, the less I do that.
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This devotion has sliced through my heart. With small kids I’m constantly googling answers and spending hours online on sleep, food etc. I’m searching for confidence in my parenting which can only come from resting in Our Lord.
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I need wisdom in how to handle a situation I’m going through. I need to forgive someone but I also need to be forgiven. I’ve never been so lost about how to handle an argument with someone I love dearly. Please pray for this situation and that everyone involved will find peace! I have truly been suffering like Job and feeling such weight from this situation the past few days. Lord give me wisdom in how to handle this with your mercy and Grace!
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No! I wish I could un-read this! So much conviction. I’ve recently been listening to gut health videos while I work, where I use to let sermons play. I’m anxious and confused right away in the morning. Literally can’t believe I’m reading this. Haha. Ok, Jesus. Loud and clear.
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I am also graduating college in a couple months and the workload can be overwhelming. The knowledge that needs to go into the thesis.. and the need for true wisdom. These verses from Scripture were just what i needed tonight. I will boast in Christ alone..
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Amen
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I am so guilty of the same thing! I search in others for wisdom first about a problem, situation, or source of anxiety without turning to the owner of wisdom first. Your wisdom is free and plentiful Lord, help me to bask in your glory and learn from these teachings I am getting to follow with your daughters!
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So, I’m a few days behind on my reading (like 6 days behind ) and this reading has really encouraged me to try my best to catch up, and remember that spending 20-45 minutes in the Word is never something I will regret (but doing the same on my phone is). In the midst of graduating from college in like 38 days, becoming a wife in 65 days, and trying to find a full-time job, wisdom is something I need now more than I ever have before. Thank you, Lord that I already have access to this divine wisdom; I just need to remember it’s only found in You. Thank you so much for this amazing study!
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