Job 28:27 – “Then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.”
Extended Explanation
In Job 28:27, Job describes how God “looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.” This verse reveals that wisdom is not only something that belongs to God but that He fully understands, values, and approves of it. God doesn’t only possess wisdom; He comprehends its depths and has confirmed its value. Job is emphasizing that wisdom’s source is divine and that only God knows its full worth and purpose. This verse suggests that wisdom, as a divine attribute, has been approved by God Himself as reliable and trustworthy.
Historical Context
In Job’s time, people often viewed wisdom as something sacred, a quality that could only be fully known by the divine. Wisdom literature, like the book of Job, emphasized that wisdom was not something humans could own or manipulate—it was a divine treasure. Job’s audience would have understood that for God to “appraise,” “confirm,” and “test” wisdom was to emphasize its absolute reliability and worth. By illustrating that wisdom has been “tested” by God, Job reassures his audience that true wisdom is not flawed or incomplete; it’s grounded in God’s perfect understanding.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Job 28:27 speaks to God’s perfect knowledge and understanding. Wisdom is not just an abstract concept but something that is foundational to God’s character and creation. This verse reminds us that when we seek wisdom from God, we are asking for something that has been confirmed and valued by Him. God’s wisdom is not subject to the limitations or errors of human understanding—it is flawless, and it is something we can trust completely. For believers, this verse encourages us to seek and rely on God’s wisdom, knowing that it is tested and proven.
Literary Analysis
Job uses descriptive language in this verse to illustrate God’s relationship with wisdom. Words like “appraised,” “confirmed,” and “tested” give the reader a sense of God’s intimate knowledge of wisdom. By describing God as actively engaging with wisdom, Job emphasizes that wisdom is not accidental or random but something intentional and valuable. This poetic structure also brings depth to the concept of wisdom, suggesting that it has been carefully considered by God and has passed His divine “test.” This gives the reader confidence in the reliability and stability of God’s wisdom.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
Other Bible verses emphasize that God’s wisdom is tested, proven, and reliable:
- Psalm 12:6 – “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”
- Proverbs 3:19-20 – “By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.”
- Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
These verses confirm that God’s wisdom is trustworthy, refined, and foundational to all of creation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 28:27 reminds us to seek God’s wisdom, knowing that it is reliable, tested, and perfect. In a world with many voices and opinions, this verse encourages us to turn to God’s guidance, confident that His wisdom is steady and sure. God’s wisdom is not like human understanding that changes with time and trends; it is unchanging and perfect. This verse calls us to trust in God’s insight and direction, particularly when we face difficult decisions or challenges, knowing that His wisdom has stood the test of time.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love in that He offers wisdom that is reliable and valuable. Out of His love, God doesn’t leave us to navigate life alone; instead, He shares His tested and proven wisdom with us. By revealing wisdom to those who seek Him, God shows His care and desire to guide us in a trustworthy way. His wisdom is a gift, one that brings stability and peace to our lives, and it reflects His love by providing us with a solid foundation for our choices and actions.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
In the New Testament, Jesus is often described as the embodiment of God’s wisdom. Colossians 2:3 says that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Jesus demonstrated God’s wisdom in His teachings, actions, and sacrifice. His life was a perfect example of God’s wisdom, lived out and confirmed. In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing that those who build their lives on His teachings are like wise builders with a strong foundation. Jesus’ life and message reveal that God’s wisdom is not only tested but also available to us through a relationship with Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage us to value God’s wisdom over human knowledge or opinions?
- In what areas of your life could you benefit from relying more on God’s tested and proven wisdom?
- How does knowing that God has “confirmed” wisdom give you confidence in His guidance?
- How does Jesus’ life and teachings demonstrate God’s wisdom, and how can you apply His example to your own life?
- What steps can you take to seek and apply God’s wisdom in your daily decisions and relationships?
Reflecting on Job 28:27 reminds us that God’s wisdom is flawless and trustworthy. Through Jesus, we see God’s wisdom lived out in a way that is accessible to us, guiding us to make choices that align with God’s truth and purpose.