“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).
If there was ever a man who looked for answers to the hard questions of life it was Job. The first two chapters of the book of Job show that this “perfect and upright” man (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3) was tested by Satan in major ways. The Lord knew the character of Job and “will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). Knowing such a verse and knowing the answer to a specific trial are two different things. Job did not understand, yet he did know the importance of searching. Consider three lessons on searching for answers.
1. Answers are Not in Materialism. The world clamors for material gain trusting that such a lifestyle equals success. Paul warned Timothy about such a philosophy. “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:5-6). Jesus himself was no man of great means yet there is none who could give answers like him (cf. Luke 2:47; John 7:46). He gave a stern warning about materialism, where he said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). Job had riches at one time in his life, but his life was foremost about God (Job 1:1, 8, 21-22; 2:3, 10). Serving God is not about fearing God “for nought” (Job 1:9). It is said of Moses “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward” (Heb. 11:25-26). Money, mansions, mutual funds, etc. are had by people only to be left behind (cf. 1 Tim. 6:7) and ultimately burned up (cf. 2 Peter 3:10-12).
2. Answers are Not in Men. Job’s three friends were truly “miserable comforters” (Job 16:1). The general points that they all made were countered with Job saying, “What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you” (Job 13:2). If answers are found in experience, history and sound reasoning alone, the answers would have been present. Job knew that man is helpless to find the answers to the deepest of questions apart from the word from God. Jeremiah admitted, “O Lord, I know that the way of man in not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). Solomon wrote, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).
3. Answers are Necessitated in the Master. The book of Job clearly points out that the Maker and Master of the universe is the source of all truth and wisdom. It is in Job 28:28 that the summary of that chapter on searching states from the mouth of God, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). Such a knowledge as seen by Job at the end of the book (cf. Job 40:4-5; 42:2-6) shows that the Sovereign One of all takes care and does right. One need only heed the Master’s word and will and be blessed whether life be easy or difficult. Faith leans on the strength from God and rejoices in it (cf. Neh. 8:10). Therefore, the Bible is one of the greatest treasures given by the Master.
Jimmy Clark