Article, Job

What is the essence of God's wisdom?

December 2, 2020 - Drs. G. (Gijs) van den Brink
Part 5 of 7 of the theme 'Lessons from the Bible book of Job' by Gijs van den Brink

In the book of Job, God says to man, "Wisdom? Wisdom is: to fear the Lord, to avoid evil." (28:28).
We see that the wisdom of God includes two aspects. First, wisdom is an attitude, a disposition, a drive, namely having reverence for God. To fear the Lord, to be in awe of God. What are you living for? What is the great purpose in your life?
Fearing God instead of being afraid of whether you yourself are getting your due. Is the Lord God being honored by my life as He desires? So wisdom in the eyes of God is: to give Him first place, to love Him above all else. Wisdom is primarily a disposition, no more and no less.
Second, wisdom is also a way of life: 'avoiding evil'. Avoiding evil instead of constantly making compromises. Compromises between what you want for yourself and what God wants. That never ends well. Faith is not primarily about what you believe, about your creed or your Bible knowledge. What matters to Him is how you live from your faith, the practice of faith. "Whoever hears my words and does them ..." says Jesus (Mat. 7:24). What matters is that we resemble Jesus Christ in our lifestyle. Wisdom does not become apparent in your knowledge, but in your lifestyle.

Next time: Jesus Christ in the book of Job.

See also: Part 4 of 7 of the theme 'Lessons from the Bible book of Job' God's wisdom as the answer to all questions

Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine


This is part 5 of 7 concise blog on the topic "Lessons from the Bible Book of Job" from Study Bible Magazine, Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!


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Contribution of

drs. G. (Gijs) van den Brink
Since 1981 working as editor and author on a commentary series known as "Study Bible." First at IDR in Soest, from 1998 at the "Center for Bible Research" (CVB) in Doorn. From 1996 to 2015 editor NT of the quarterly magazine for evangelical theological reflection "Soteria". Since 2007 editor-in-chief of the quarterly theological journal "Study Bible magazine". From 2010-2011 editorial board member of Tussenruimte, journal for intercultural theology.

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