source of Wisdom

Thought for the Week.07-24-16. Source of Wisdom
 
“And to man He said,
Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
And to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).
 
In the middle of a lengthy discourse, Job answers one of his own questions, which he poses in verse 20: “From where then does wisdom come?” And the answer he gives is quite unexpected. Some confuse wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge is information gathered, and wisdom is the ability to use that knowledge in the most effective way.
 
Job has already pointed out where wisdom is not found: not “in the land of the living” (among human ideas), not “in the deep” (that is, in the sea), and not in the vast riches of the earth. Rather than giving a highly philosophical answer to his profound question, he poignantly directs our minds to the ultimate source of wisdom: to the fear of God.
 
The one who truly becomes wise will have such a healthy respect for and fear of God that he will be diligent in following God’s direction in all aspects of his life. Such a decision will cause him to turn from doing evil to doing good, showing he has come to a full understanding of God.