Shut Up Already!

But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? [Job 28.12]

What a question! 

Do people know where to find wisdom?

For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. [Proverbs 2.6]

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. [Proverbs 9.10]

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. [Proverbs 11.2]

But Job did not necessarily need these (what would have been) future references to Proverbs! Job already knew the answer.

“God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found... [Job 28.23]

So then, why does Job go on to be severely rebuked by God?

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. [Proverbs 17.27-28]

Could it be because Job and his friends believed they could "talk" their way through this?

It would seem that perhaps the best prescription for Job and his friends would have been, "Shut up already!" In fact, Job will confess later when confronted by God that he should have kept his mouth shut.

No doubt, the story of Job contains a torrent of words that makes it difficult for the casual reader to discern what is really going on. I will include myself in this category. It seems to me that, as useful as progressing through Job's story in the OYCB is, there remains a necessarily dedicated "study" of Job's story to more accurately sort out all that is said.

Father, help me to dedicate the additional time necessary to more accurately piece together all that is revealed in the story of Job. And, help me know when to simply shut up already...