Great detectives see things the common person overlooks or passes by. Detectives look at the big picture and consider all the angles. They do the hard work of weighing options and considering scenarios. Because they go beyond the surface, they find the answers they seek.
Job was desperately seeking answers. He needed wisdom for the situation in which he found himself. He had lost his family, his possessions, and his dignity, but he did not know why. He knew the answer would not be simple. He had to seek wisdom like a miner seeks precious metals or fine jewels (Job 28:1-11). They go below the surface and exert great effort.
Job concluded that wisdom is reverential awe of Yahweh (Job 28:28). Wisdom turns from evil because wisdom knows walking with Him is better in the long run than the short-term promises that come from folly. What befuddled Job was that he had known this for some time. He had not discovered this in his misery. He had lived by these standards for years.
Those around him knew Job was wise (Job 29:21). Job had walked in the presence of the Almighty and known His blessing (Job 29:1-6), but now everyone scorned him. His struggle made him unattractive, and they were not willing to come alongside and “mine” for wisdom or search for answers. Those who respected him now mocked him (Job 30:9). It seemed as if no one was seeking the answers Job was—to understand God’s ways.
Thank God for being willing to impart His wisdom. Pray for diligence in walking with Him and learning truth from Him.