THURSDAY OCTOBER 2025

The Miner’s Diligence, the Sinner’s Folly, and God’s Final Word

MESSAGE: WHERE CAN WE FIND WISDOM?

Humanity is perpetually driven by two great quests: the quest for riches and the quest for wisdom. The deep, poetic reflection found in Job 28 brilliantly contrasts the extraordinary effort man puts into securing material wealth with the ease and simplicity of finding true wisdom. We go to great lengths, risking life and limb, to unearth gold and silver, yet we often overlook the one place where true, lasting wisdom can be found.

This message will follow the inspired logic of Job, examining the intense dedication of the miner, the failure of earthly systems to produce wisdom, and the ultimate, singular source of the knowledge we truly need to live a flourishing life.

1. The Miner’s Lesson: Diligence and Discipline

Job 28:1-11

Job begins by describing the phenomenal effort and ingenuity of the miner. To obtain hidden riches like gold, silver, and iron, man must descend into the earth, cutting channels through rock and penetrating depths where no animal—not even the fierce lion or the sharp-eyed falcon—would dare to venture.

The Depth of Commitment: The miner’s activity is a parable of what it takes to achieve any valuable goal. To get hidden riches, you must display determination, diligence, devotion, and discipline. Without these four qualities, the rocks remain unbroken, and the riches remain buried.

No Place for the Lazy: The text clearly states that no lazy person can dig out gold or break the rocks. This principle translates directly to all honorable pursuits in life:

- Academics: No lazy person earns the best degree certificate.
- Career: No lazy person builds a lasting, respected career.
- Riches: No lazy person acquires riches through honorable means.

2. The Spiritual Mining: A Call to Diligence in Faith

If physical success requires such rigor, how much more should we dedicate ourselves to securing spiritual blessings?

If you want to earn the blessings of the Kingdom, you must be disciplined, diligent, determined, and consistent in following the Lord. Spiritual wealth—righteousness, peace, and joy—is not found by chance; it is found through fervent pursuit.

This leads us to a crucial question of spiritual accountability: What have you achieved for God for all the things He has done for you?

Have you won a soul for Him?
Have you edified the body of Christ?
Have you helped the poor, the downtrodden, and the orphans?
Are you using your resources, gifts, and talents to serve His Kingdom?

Just as the miner expends energy to bring out physical wealth, the diligent Christian is expected to expend spiritual energy to bear lasting fruit. The same dedication required to break a rock face is the level of dedication God desires in our service to Him.

3. The Failure of Earthly Search: Wisdom is Not Found in the Depths

Job 28:12-22

Job then pivots the conversation, asking the most pivotal question: “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12).

Man is brilliant enough to find gold deep underground, yet he cannot find wisdom there. Job declares that wisdom is not found on the earth, under the sea, or even in the land of the dead. The creatures of the earth, though they possess instinct, do not possess wisdom.

Costlier than Earthly Treasures: Wisdom is greater or costlier than gold and rubies. It cannot be purchased with the finest gold of Ophir, nor can it be valued with onyx or sapphire. Earthly wealth is a distraction in the search for wisdom, for those who spend their lives digging for riches often neglect the greater search for understanding.

The Folly of Human Knowledge: Man can acquire knowledge by digging out resources, but this knowledge is often converted into tools for destroying his fellow beings created by God. The invention of powerful weapons and the rise of destructive technology are tragic proof that human knowledge, divorced from wisdom, leads to self-destruction. This is not wisdom.

The Illusion of Worldly “Wisdom”: Some mistakenly believe that duping people, stealing, robbery, kidnapping, or taking hard drugs makes them wise. This is absolute folly. These are acts of wickedness fueled by a profound lack of spiritual understanding. True wisdom always builds up, preserves life, and honors God; it never destroys, corrupts, or enslaves.

4. The Singular Source: The Fear of God

Job 28:23-28

The mystery of wisdom is so deep that the text reserves the answer until the final verses, emphasizing how difficult it is to find apart from divine revelation. Job concludes: It is only God that knows where wisdom and understanding come from.

God saw it, He measured it, and He established it. He defined its boundaries and its application. And He reveals its source to humanity in one powerful, simple principle:

“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28, NKJV)

Wisdom is Found in Fearing God: The fear of God is not terror; it is reverential awe, respect, and submission to His will and holiness. It is the acknowledgement that He is the ultimate authority. This is the beginning of wisdom.

Understanding is Found in Eschewing Evil: To depart from evil is understanding. True understanding is not merely intellectual; it is moral. It manifests as a lifestyle that shuns wickedness and chooses righteousness.

Regrettably, many in our generation have abandoned God and lack the fear of God. This is evident in the atrocities being committed today—people acting with impunity, without respect for God, and without any sense of divine accountability. They lack the understanding of God’s ways and are thriving in evil deeds because their spiritual eyes are closed.

Anyone who lacks the knowledge of God and doesn’t show respect to God by obeying His word is an unwise and foolish person. When wickedness and evil deeds become a lifestyle, it is a clear sign that true understanding is absent.

Conclusion

We are called to apply the diligence of the miner to the pursuit of wisdom. Stop searching for wisdom in the depths of technology, in the pursuit of temporary riches, or in the twisted logic of worldly folly. The search ends at the throne of God.

Wisdom is a gift, given only to those who genuinely seek it from its source. By choosing to fear God—to revere Him and submit to His commands—you instantly access the wisdom that is costlier than gold and rubies. And by choosing to depart from evil, you gain the understanding that protects your life and directs your steps.

Let this simple truth guide your journey today and every day.

Prayer

Father, thank you for revealing to me that you are the source of wisdom and understanding. Help me to fear you and eschew evils in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dear Lord, please make me a diligent and fruitful Christian as I follow you day-by-day to serve you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.