Where is the source of wisdom?

In Job 28, Job paints a vivid picture of how men searched for precious and useful metals, how diligent they were, and how they were willing to go to even the most dangerous places to recover them. Job acknowledged that the earth hides the most valuable treasures and riches for those who are willing to work hard and search diligently for them.

Yet, even with all this human effort and skill, Job posed a question, “Where can wisdom be found?”

Despite men’s determination and ingenuity, despite men’s ability to uncover the earth’s deepest secrets, true wisdom remains elusive. It cannot be mined, purchased, or measured. Job described wisdom to be far more valuable than all the riches that the earth can ever hide. Surely, men would want to search for wisdom too?

Job had an answer to his own question.

‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’ (Job 28:28)

True wisdom begins not with effort, but with reverence. It is found not by digging into the earth, but by turning our hearts toward God.

The writer of Proverbs echoes this truth:

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

Since true wisdom comes from God, then we can only have wisdom from Him. Job tells us, the Psalmist tells us, the author in Proverbs tells us, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. What is the fear of the Lord? The fear of the Lord is not a cowering fear, but a posture of awe and surrender—recognising God’s majesty, His holiness, and His rightful authority over our lives. It means to desire to delight in our Lord, to follow Him closely, to obey Him, to trust in Him, and to be faithful in our walk.

So how do we seek this wisdom in our daily lives?

We begin with relationship.

We come to God with open hearts—reading His Word, turning from sin, worshipping Him, seeking His counsel in prayer. We talk about His faithfulness, recall His goodness, and choose His ways over our own. Wisdom is not just found in moments of crisis, but in the quiet, consistent turning of our hearts toward Him.

Perhaps today is an invitation to ask: Which of these practices can I lean into more deeply? What might it look like to seek God's wisdom more intentionally this week?

Prayer: Dear Father, thank You that true wisdom comes from You. Thank You that I don’t need to search in the dark or strive in my own strength to find what is most precious. Teach me to fear You rightly, to delight in Your ways, and to live faithfully in Your presence. Help me to seek You more and to grow in understanding as I walk with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.