True Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding. Job 28:28

Wisdom and understanding, this is what young Solomon asked for when faced with ruling the nation. Of all the things he could ask of God, young King Solomon asked for wisdom. The quest for wisdom is found in the "fear" of the Lord. This Hebrew word for fear (found in Job 28:28) is Yir'ah meaning respect, reverence, piety.

But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds cannot discover it. 28:20-21
God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found. 28:23

When faced with intense tribulation, Job's friends came to his bedside and implored him to repent of sinful ways. His friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, felt that Job's affliction was the discipline of Almighty God. In Job's weakest moment they were actually giving him more pain and adding to his torment. The company of Job's friends must have been much like sitting with a group of "know-it-alls". One "know-it-all" can be enough, can you image three!
Yet, Job knew his own heart and blameless position. The things his friends were saying made no sense! When reading through the book of Job I can't help but wonder why his friends didn't seek wisdom before counseling him. This is a good lesson for us all 1) Be careful of whom you listen to and 2) seek wisdom before giving counsel. You might have your heart in the right place but your council may steer a person in the wrong direction.