Job 28: Mining Wisdom
Saturday, December 27, 2025
We often become preoccupied with finding or even possessing Wisdom. We admire wise people. We look for wise leaders. We credit Wisdom with saving souls and revealing miracles. Wisdom was present at creation and she will be with us in God’s infinite heaven. Wisdom is precious. Wisdom is practical. Wisdom is patient. Wisdom knows when to act. Today we have a beautiful anthem to Wisdom. And where and how to find her.
Miners search for silver, gold, metal, copper and other precious elements in the deep darkness of the earth. Where do we find Wisdom? We find her in God.
Miners open shafts in a valley away from human habitation; they are forgotten by travelers . . . they sway suspended, remote from people. How do we obtain Wisdom? We turn to God.
They put their hand to flinty rock, and overturn mountains by the roots. What do we do if we want to live in Wisdom? We go to God.
They cut out channels in the rocks, and their eyes see every precious thing. The sources of the rivers they probe; hidden things they bring to light. The Holy Spirit brings us consolation and understanding. The Spirit dwells within and quiets the mind and soul.
As for the earth, out of it comes bread; but underneath it is turned up as by fire. Jesus brings us the Bread of Life. He opens our hearts and mines and prepares us for our encounter with Wisdom
Gold and glass do not equal her . . . and so she is greater than these; yet we squander more energy searching for precious metals than we spend in seeking Wisdom. She abides in hidden valleys and still we must seek her. We cannot be turned away by the difficulties we meet in unearthing her. And many spend all that we have in order to acquire her because she is worth all that we have and all that we are.
A number of years ago we looked at the last portion of this chapter during Advent as we awaited the celebration of the Christ child’s entry into the world. At that time we saw how Wisdom was linked with Understanding and this was our reflection . . .
From the December 17, 2007 Noontime – Job 28:20-28 . . .
The closing chapters of Job are full of so much that is deep, true and abiding. Today’s verses are especially beautiful; they read like a litany. If we are honest with ourselves, we know the fount of wisdom and understanding: God. We are God’s harvesters and we need God’s great wisdom and profound understanding to do the work we have agreed to do. Sometimes this work looms larger than life itself and it is in these times that we most need a joyful hope which bolsters us for our work. The season of advent is full of the imagery needed for the work of our journey. Last night’s MAGNIFICAT intercessions were particularly beautiful.
Let us pray to the Lord of the harvest:
You have sown the seeds of justice and love: raise a harvest of peace for all peoples.
Let your face shed its light upon us
You have sown the seeds of mercy and compassion: raise a harvest of kindness on the earth.
Let your face shed its light upon us!
You have sown seeds of life: raise a harvest of those redeemed for life in your kingdom.
Let your face shed its light upon us!
Amen.
A re-post from January 5, 2012.
Images from: http://worshippingchristian.org/blog/?p=8056 and http://mudpreacher.org/2011/11/17/gods-wisdom-is-the-cross-1-cor-117-31/
Cameron, Peter John. “Prayer for the Evening.” MAGNIFICAT. 16.12 (2007): 217-218. Print.
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