If you have ever wondered why things are as they are or why rotten things happen for no “just” reason; then, maybe this is for you. In life, people often experience mistreatment, abuse and unfair situations. Yes, sometimes we notice this may be a direct consequence of something that we have done, but often not.
The book of Job (in the Bible) is an example of one who was upright, feared God and shunned evil yet suffered unspeakably. Job himself had a difficult time trying to defend himself and to understand the why, but to no avail. His friends were of no help either. All of them had a very common human notion that things should be fair and just – by our understanding; but that does not appear to be how the world works. Striving to understand or know what we cannot know is rather frustrating, so it calls for a different approach.
Job 28:12-13
But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?
No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living.
Job 28:20-21a
Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?
It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,
Job 28:23-24
God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells,
for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.
This characteristic or quality of omniscience (all-knowing) belongs only to God. Mankind cannot attain it. Therefore, mankind is in the position of striving for what cannot be attained or trusting God in everything. Yes, it may be difficult and painful, but God’s sovereignty remains.
Job 28:27-28
then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.
And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
So, when we do not understand or think things are unfair, we are called to trust that God’s promises are true – particularly that he will never leave us nor forsake us. He is with us through anything this world brings, even if we do not feel or see it. For his children, He has prepared a place for us such that we can spend eternity with Him. In the meantime, maybe we give up trying to figure it all out and accept that wisdom is the fear of the Lord and understanding is demonstrated in shunning evil.
The book of Job (in the Bible) is an example of one who was upright, feared God and shunned evil yet suffered unspeakably. Job himself had a difficult time trying to defend himself and to understand the why, but to no avail. His friends were of no help either. All of them had a very common human notion that things should be fair and just – by our understanding; but that does not appear to be how the world works. Striving to understand or know what we cannot know is rather frustrating, so it calls for a different approach.
Job 28:12-13
But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?
No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living.
Job 28:20-21a
Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?
It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing,
Job 28:23-24
God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells,
for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.
This characteristic or quality of omniscience (all-knowing) belongs only to God. Mankind cannot attain it. Therefore, mankind is in the position of striving for what cannot be attained or trusting God in everything. Yes, it may be difficult and painful, but God’s sovereignty remains.
Job 28:27-28
then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.
And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
So, when we do not understand or think things are unfair, we are called to trust that God’s promises are true – particularly that he will never leave us nor forsake us. He is with us through anything this world brings, even if we do not feel or see it. For his children, He has prepared a place for us such that we can spend eternity with Him. In the meantime, maybe we give up trying to figure it all out and accept that wisdom is the fear of the Lord and understanding is demonstrated in shunning evil.
