Job 28:28

KJV

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

KJV (with Strong's)

And unto man {H120} he said {H559}, Behold, the fear {H3374} of the Lord {H136}, that is wisdom {H2451}; and to depart {H5493} from evil {H7451} is understanding {H998}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And to human beings he said, 'Look, fear of Adonai is wisdom! Shunning evil is understanding!'"

Berean Standard Bible

And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

American Standard Version

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 28:28 serves as the profound climax of a poetic interlude, a "Hymn to Wisdom," within the larger narrative of Job. Following a detailed exploration of humanity's impressive capacity to extract earthly treasures and uncover the secrets of the natural world, this verse pivots to declare that true wisdom is not found through human ingenuity or exploration. Instead, it is a divine revelation, succinctly defined as the reverential fear of the Lord and the practical commitment to depart from evil, thereby establishing the ultimate source and expression of genuine understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Chapter 28 stands as a magnificent, self-contained poem, distinct from the ongoing dialogues between Job and his friends. It functions as a theological soliloquy, a "Hymn to Wisdom," that interrupts the cycle of speeches and elevates the discussion beyond Job's personal suffering or his friends' flawed theological arguments. The chapter meticulously details humanity's remarkable ability to mine the earth for its hidden riches—silver, gold, precious stones, and even the paths of subterranean rivers—demonstrating human mastery over the physical world. Yet, it powerfully contrasts this human ingenuity with the utter inaccessibility of true wisdom, whose path and source remain hidden from all living creatures, even the keenest birds of prey. Only God, who established the natural order and weighed the winds, fully comprehends and knows the way to wisdom, for He saw its foundation and determined its measure. Thus, Job 28:28 acts as the culminating declaration, a divine pronouncement that reveals where true wisdom ultimately resides, shifting the focus from the elusive search in creation to the revealed truth from the Creator.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is a masterpiece of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, a genre prevalent across the region (e.g., Egyptian Instruction texts, Mesopotamian proverbs). Unlike other wisdom traditions that might emphasize practical skills or ethical conduct for societal success, Job delves into profound theological questions about suffering, divine justice, and the nature of wisdom itself. In ancient Israel, "wisdom" (Hebrew: *chokmah*) was not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living a flourishing, righteous life in accordance with God's established order. The cultural backdrop of the time valued both human ingenuity (as seen in mining and craftsmanship) and a deep reverence for the divine. Job 28:28 directly challenges the human-centric pursuit of knowledge by asserting that ultimate wisdom is not a discovery but a revelation, aligning with a broader biblical understanding that true insight originates from God, not from human effort or natural exploration. This emphasis on divine revelation as the source of wisdom distinguishes biblical wisdom from purely humanistic philosophical traditions.
* **Key Themes:** Job 28:28 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the Book of Job and biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it underscores **The Source of True Wisdom**, unequivocally stating that genuine wisdom does not come from human intellect, earthly exploration, or material wealth, but is revealed by God and rooted in one's relationship with Him. This contrasts sharply with the human quest for hidden treasures described earlier in the chapter. Secondly, it highlights **The Fear of the Lord** as the foundational principle of wisdom. This concept, often misunderstood as mere terror, signifies a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to God's sovereignty, holiness, and majesty. It implies acknowledging His authority and living in accordance with His revealed will, as echoed in other wisdom texts like [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Thirdly, the verse links understanding not just to intellectual comprehension but to **Moral Action and Discernment**. To "depart from evil" signifies a practical, ethical application of wisdom—a turning away from sin and a commitment to righteousness. This demonstrates that true understanding (Hebrew: *binah*) is not merely theoretical but is lived out through obedience and a transformed life, a theme also found in [Proverbs 3:7](/proverbs/3-7 "Proverbs 3:7 - Fear the Lord and Depart from Evil"). Finally, the phrase "And unto man he said" emphasizes **Divine Revelation**, making it clear that this ultimate truth about wisdom is not something humanity discovers on its own but is a direct pronouncement from the Creator, a gift rather than an achievement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** This term, derived from H3374, carries a much richer meaning than simple terror or dread. In biblical wisdom literature, *yirʼâh* denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect that leads to worship, obedience, and moral discernment. It is a posture of humble submission before the almighty and holy God, acknowledging His supreme authority, power, and wisdom. This "fear" is not paralyzing but liberating, fostering a life lived in harmony with divine truth and leading to genuine insight and righteous conduct. It is the proper response of finite humanity to an infinite Creator.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, *chokmâh* refers to more than mere intellectual knowledge or cleverness. In the Old Testament, it encompasses practical skill, discernment, and moral insight. It is the ability to live skillfully and righteously in God's world, applying divine principles to everyday life. It encompasses prudence, sound judgment, and the capacity to make wise choices that align with God's will. In Job 28:28, *chokmâh* is presented not as something man can acquire through exploration, but as a quality revealed by God, intrinsically linked to a right relationship with Him.
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _bîynâh'_):** Derived from H998, this term complements *chokmâh* and refers to discernment, insight, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil. While *chokmâh* might be the broader concept of skillful living, *bîynâh* is the practical application of that wisdom, manifesting in one's choices and actions. It implies the capacity to grasp the underlying principles and implications of truth, leading to a life characterized by moral integrity and sound judgment. It is the practical outworking of the fear of the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto man he said,"**: This opening clause is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that the wisdom articulated here is not a human discovery, a philosophical conclusion, or a secret unearthed from the earth, but a direct, authoritative declaration from God Himself. The "he" refers to God, the only one who truly knows the path to wisdom, as established throughout the preceding verses of Job 28. This phrase underscores the divine origin and revealed nature of true wisdom, setting it apart from all human endeavors.
* **"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom;"**: The interjection "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to a crucial truth. This is the core revelation: true wisdom is fundamentally defined by "the fear of the Lord." As explored in "Key Word Analysis," this "fear" is not terror but a deep, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to God's sovereignty and holiness. It is the foundational principle for a life lived in harmony with divine truth, acknowledging God's rightful place as Creator and Sustainer. This fear leads to a moral posture that aligns one's life with God's will, which is the essence of biblical wisdom.
* **"and to depart from evil [is] understanding."**: This second clause functions in parallel structure with the first, providing a practical, ethical dimension to wisdom. "To depart from evil" signifies a conscious, volitional turning away from sin, wickedness, and anything that is contrary to God's character and commands. This is not merely an intellectual exercise but a moral commitment and a lifestyle of obedience. This active turning from evil is equated with "understanding" (*bîynâh*), demonstrating that true insight is not just theoretical knowledge but is demonstrated and proven through righteous actions and a transformed life. It is the practical outworking of the fear of the Lord in daily conduct.

#### Literary Devices
Job 28:28, as the capstone of the "Hymn to Wisdom," masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line reinforces and elaborates on the first: "the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." This structure not only creates a rhythmic and memorable statement but also equates wisdom with the fear of God and understanding with departing from evil, showing them as two sides of the same divine truth. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** throughout the entire chapter, culminating in this verse. The chapter first details humanity's impressive ability to find earthly treasures, contrasting this with the elusive nature of true wisdom. Verse 28 then provides the ultimate contrast: while man can uncover the earth's secrets, true wisdom is not found but revealed by God. The phrase "And unto man he said" functions as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Revelation**, lending ultimate authority and weight to the definition of wisdom that follows. Finally, the **Personification** of wisdom throughout Job 28 (where wisdom's path is hidden, its dwelling place unknown, and only God knows its way) is resolved in this verse by its practical definition, making an abstract concept tangible and actionable for humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 28:28 stands as a pivotal theological statement, not only within the Book of Job but across the entire biblical canon. It distills the essence of biblical wisdom, asserting that true understanding is not an intellectual achievement or the result of human exploration, but a divine revelation rooted in a right relationship with God. This verse challenges any anthropocentric view of knowledge, redirecting humanity's gaze from self-reliance to humble dependence on the Creator. It fundamentally links piety with practicality, demonstrating that genuine wisdom is not merely theoretical but profoundly ethical, manifesting in a life characterized by reverent awe for God and a deliberate turning away from evil. This truth resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative, which consistently portrays God as the sole source of ultimate truth and life-giving wisdom, accessible through faith and obedience.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Deuteronomy 4:6](/deuteronomy/4-6 "Deuteronomy 4:6 - Keep the Commandments for Wisdom and Understanding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 28:28 offers timeless and profoundly practical guidance for believers today, redirecting our pursuit of wisdom from worldly sources to its divine origin. In an age saturated with information and human-centric philosophies, this verse serves as a powerful corrective, reminding us that ultimate truth and discernment do not stem from human intellect, scientific advancement, or material acquisition, but from a humble, reverent relationship with God. To "fear the Lord" means to acknowledge His supreme authority, holiness, and majesty, allowing this awe to shape our worldview and priorities. This reverential fear naturally leads to a desire to "depart from evil," translating spiritual understanding into ethical action. True wisdom, therefore, is not merely knowing what is right, but actively choosing righteousness and turning away from sin in every sphere of life. It calls for a transformed heart that seeks to live in alignment with God's character and commands, demonstrating that genuine understanding is manifested not just in our beliefs, but in our daily choices and conduct. This verse urges us to prioritize God above all else, recognizing that only in Him can we find the wisdom necessary to navigate life skillfully and righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be seeking wisdom or understanding from sources other than God, and how can I reorient my pursuit?**
* **What does "the fear of the Lord" practically look like in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How does "departing from evil" manifest in my specific choices and habits, and where might I need to make more deliberate changes?**
* **How can the connection between reverence for God and ethical living deepen my spiritual walk and impact my interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**How does Job 28:28 relate to Job's suffering and the overall message of the book?**

Answer: Job 28:28 serves as a profound theological interlude that transcends Job's immediate suffering and the flawed arguments of his friends. While Job and his friends grapple with the problem of suffering and the justice of God, Chapter 28 shifts the focus to the ultimate question of wisdom's source. The chapter demonstrates that human beings, despite their ingenuity in extracting earthly treasures, cannot discover true wisdom on their own. This sets the stage for Job 28:28, which reveals that wisdom is not found through human effort but is a divine revelation. For Job, this means that while he may not understand the *reasons* for his suffering (a mystery that remains largely veiled), he can still find ultimate wisdom and understanding in a reverent relationship with God and a commitment to righteousness, regardless of his circumstances. It points to the idea that true wisdom lies in trusting God's sovereignty and character, even when His ways are inscrutable, rather than demanding answers or justifying oneself. Ultimately, it prepares the reader for God's direct intervention in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job"), where God's unsearchable wisdom in creation is displayed, reinforcing that human understanding is limited and true wisdom belongs to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 28:28, while a profound Old Testament declaration, finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fear of the Lord," which is wisdom, culminates in a reverent and worshipful relationship with God, a relationship made possible and perfect through Christ. Jesus Himself is presented as the very embodiment of divine wisdom; [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ is Our Wisdom") declares that Christ "has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." In Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Furthermore, "to depart from evil," which is understanding, is perfectly exemplified by Christ, who lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, enabling us to truly depart from evil's dominion. Through faith in Him, believers are granted a new nature and the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness. The "understanding" that comes from departing from evil is empowered by our union with Christ, who not only shows us the way but *is* the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the wisdom and understanding sought in Job 28:28 are fully revealed and made accessible through the person and saving work of Jesus, the very wisdom of God incarnate.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 111:10

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.

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 the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

Proverbs 3:7

¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

Deuteronomy 4:6

Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.

James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.