Job 28:28 – “And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’”
Extended Explanation
In Job 28:28, Job presents God’s answer to the pursuit of wisdom. Wisdom, he says, is found in “the fear of the Lord,” and understanding is in “shunning evil.” This verse is a profound summary of what it means to live wisely. “The fear of the Lord” refers to having a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God, which leads to a life aligned with His ways. Wisdom, according to God, is not simply about knowledge or intellect—it’s about how we live in relationship with Him. To “shun evil” means to turn away from what God considers wrong, seeking to live in a way that honors Him. Job’s conclusion is that wisdom is a matter of the heart and character, not just the mind.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, “the fear of the Lord” was a common expression used to describe a faithful, humble, and obedient relationship with God. People believed that wisdom was about more than acquiring knowledge; it was about living a life of obedience and devotion to God. In Job’s culture, wisdom literature—like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes—emphasized that true wisdom starts with acknowledging God’s authority and choosing to follow His ways. Job’s audience would understand that wisdom wasn’t a product of human effort alone but came from living in reverence toward God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights that wisdom is not a matter of human intellect but is rooted in a relationship with God. It teaches us that wisdom and understanding come from aligning our lives with God’s character and His values. “The fear of the Lord” doesn’t mean living in terror of God but rather having a healthy respect and awe for who He is. This verse also emphasizes that understanding involves turning away from evil, indicating that our choices and actions are a reflection of true wisdom. It shows that God desires us to live in a way that honors Him and rejects sin, leading us into a life of fulfillment and peace.
Literary Analysis
Job 28:28 uses parallelism, a common literary device in Hebrew poetry, to emphasize the connection between wisdom and understanding. By stating that wisdom is “the fear of the Lord” and understanding is to “shun evil,” Job creates a clear and memorable statement about what it means to live a life that honors God. This simple yet profound phrasing highlights that wisdom is accessible to everyone, regardless of intellect or education. It’s about one’s attitude toward God and choices in life. The repetition of “fear of the Lord” and “shun evil” serves to reinforce the importance of both devotion and moral integrity.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
The Bible has many verses that echo this theme of wisdom as living in reverence toward God and rejecting evil:
- Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
- Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”
These verses support Job’s message that true wisdom is rooted in a relationship with God, and that turning from evil is a reflection of our understanding of God’s will.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 28:28 provides a timeless message: true wisdom begins with a humble and respectful relationship with God. This verse challenges us to focus not only on knowing about God but on living in a way that honors Him. It encourages us to seek wisdom through our relationship with God, prioritizing our devotion to Him over worldly success or knowledge. Shunning evil, or making choices that align with God’s values, is a practical way to live out our faith daily. This verse reminds us that wisdom is not just about what we know but about how we live in response to who God is.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love by showing that He wants us to understand what truly matters in life. By revealing that wisdom is found in the “fear of the Lord,” God invites us into a relationship with Him. He doesn’t make wisdom inaccessible or mysterious but shows us that it’s rooted in honoring Him and making choices that align with His goodness. This verse shows God’s care for us by providing a clear path to wisdom, encouraging us to trust Him and to live a life that leads to peace and fulfillment.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
In the New Testament, Jesus embodies God’s wisdom and teaches that a relationship with Him is central to living a life of purpose and understanding. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” showing that knowing and following Him leads to true wisdom. Jesus taught His followers to love God with all their heart and to love others as themselves, emphasizing that wise living involves both devotion and moral integrity. Through His life and teachings, Jesus demonstrates what it means to fear God and shun evil, providing a model of wisdom for His followers.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge us to think about wisdom as more than knowledge?
- In what ways can we practice “the fear of the Lord” in our daily lives?
- How does turning away from evil reflect our understanding of God’s character?
- How does Jesus demonstrate true wisdom, and how can we follow His example?
- What practical steps can we take to seek God’s wisdom and align our lives with His values?
Reflecting on Job 28:28 reminds us that wisdom is rooted in a relationship with God and is reflected in a life that honors Him. Through Jesus, we see God’s wisdom in action, guiding us toward a life that is both faithful and fulfilling, grounded in God’s love and truth.