Revisiting the Source of Wisdom

Scripture:
Where then does wisdom come from,
and where is understanding located? ...
But God understands the way to wisdom,
and he knows its location ...
He said to mankind,
"The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom.
And to turn from evil is understanding."
Job 28:20,23,28

Observation: As a statement not about his own situation but about the Lord's wisdom, Job gives several stanzas about the source of wisdom. The conclusion is that wisdom cannot be found by anyone. It is not discoverable on earth, in any location, nor by any means. Instead, only God understands the wisdom of the created universe, and his summary to mankind about wisdom is, therefore, that the source of wisdom is fear of the Lord himself, and to turn away from the world and toward the Lord is how one understands wisdom.

This is almost exactly how Proverbs is introduced by it's author a thousand years later. It is a kindred concept of the Shemah, which is highlighted by Jesus himself ... to love the Lord your God as the first and greatest commandment.

It is not possible to find true wisdom within the worldly constructs of mankind. Instead, one can only turn to the Lord and trust in him. This is the only possible source of understanding.

Application: I have spent so many hours trying to find "logic" in circumstances. Even today, I began my devotions at 6:50am, and had already had two conversations with co-workers about trying to define logical arguments to present to 'management' about short-term staffing and longer-term business strategy. Such arguments require agreement about worldly logic to influence the worldly thoughts of worldly people.

And I am immediately reminded ... there is zero wisdom to be found in this. True wisdom can only be found in the Lord, and finding the Lord means to place him first, love him with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, and to trust him in all things. This, I do.

Prayer: Lord, every day brings its own troubles. Today and every day, I surrender those troubles to you, and seek only your wisdom and your love. You have a plan that is so much better than anything I could devise, and includes the lives and livelihoods of billions of people, not just a handful. I release to you my heavy heart and daily concerns, and instead seek your advice both practical and logical, and emotional and spiritual. Thy will be done. Amen.