June 21

Job 25

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Bildad speaks for the third time and Job again maintains his righteousness. Job observes that man cannot find wisdom on his own but only through God (28:20-28). Job relates the honor he had through God before all the attacks on him began.

Bildad had insinuated that Job was an unclean worm who could not be justified with God (25:1-6). But God had already revealed Job's true nature, saying he was perfect (blameless) and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed (shunned) evil (1:1). Through all this ordeal God said to Eliphaz . . . you have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job hath (42:7).

In the midst of all the false insinuations, Job looked beyond the criticisms to the Source of all true wisdom. He asked the question: Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man (wisdom of the world) knowth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. . . . It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof (28:12-13,15). Job was never as concerned about knowing the answer to his problems as he was about having a right relationship with God. Unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding (28:28). The more we truly humble ourselves and die to pride, the less we will be affected by the criticism of others.

God Himself is the Author and Revealer of true wisdom. There is no substitute for reading the Bible itself for acquiring God's wisdom. Therefore, read all the Bible carefully, continuously, repeatedly, and prayerfully. "What does the Word say to me in my circumstances today" must be our unwavering desire. A determined effort to apply the teaching of the Word to current living will result in rewarding spiritual answers to my daily experiences.

Those who leave Christ — the Living Word — out of their lives will never discover true wisdom and understanding. They will miss the greatest discovery of life — Christ, who is The (source of all) Truth (John 14:6). To neglect and disregard Him and His Word is to remain in ignorance of the true purpose for life and remain in spiritual darkness.

We speak . . . not the wisdom of this world . . . But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory (I Corinthians 2:6-7).

The Apostle Paul desired that those who had not seen Him would understand the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words (Colossians 2:2-4).

Thought for Today:

A wise person knows that only God knows the end from the beginning.

Christ Revealed:

Through Job's compassion for others (Job 29:15-17,21-25). Jesus was moved to compassion when He saw great crowds in need of healing and feeding (Matthew 14:14; 15:30-39).

Word Studies:

27:22 fain flee =b> desires to flee; 28:1 a vein =b> a mine; fine =b> refine; 29:14 diadem =b> turban or headdress of a king.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Officials: Gov. James H. Douglas (VT), Rep. Dan Burton (IN), and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (CA) • Country: St. Kitts-Nevis (42,000) in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 74% Protestant; 7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the Lord in prayer and He will bless your efforts (Hebrews 11:6).

Optional Reading: Ephesians 4

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 1:9