Where Shall Wisdom be Found?
A Sermon on Job 28:12
Originally preached May 14, 1961
Scripture
12But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
Sermon Description
People are all on a constant mission for knowledge and information but do not realize that this will not satisfy. In this sermon from Job 28:12 titled “Where Shall Wisdom Be Found?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that what is really needed is wisdom and understanding. As one looks through the lens of Job in the Old Testament, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that wisdom will give true peace and quietness of heart, not knowledge. Job wanted to know why he had been so afflicted in his life, but he would not learn this. Rather he would learn to come before the Lord as a child, knowing nothing, and he would receive wisdom. Do not strive after knowledge, but take wisdom from the Lord as a free gift. One should acknowledge their inability and dwell as a child in God’s presence and that is where they will find true contentedness.
Sermon Breakdown
- The book of Job deals with the problem of suffering and the meaning of life.
- The chapter being discussed, Job 28, is one of the most important chapters in the book. It provides an answer not just to Job's suffering but to life's deepest questions.
- The chapter discusses the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Modern man values knowledge but lacks wisdom.
- Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and information. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in a way that promotes human flourishing.
- Modern man is proud of his knowledge and believes it makes him superior to previous generations. But knowledge alone does not lead to wisdom or happiness.
- Though we have advanced scientifically and technologically, the deepest problems of human existence remain the same. Life is still difficult, and we still struggle with purpose and meaning.
- The world's problems stem from a lack of wisdom, not a lack of knowledge. We have more knowledge but less wisdom than previous generations.
- Wisdom is more precious than any material riches. It leads to life, peace, contentment, and addresses life's deepest questions in a way that knowledge alone cannot.
- Man cannot attain wisdom through his own efforts. It is a gift from God, not something that can be found through human searching or bought with money.
- The only way to find wisdom is through "the fear of the Lord"—humbling ourselves before God, acknowledging our ignorance and need, and accepting his revelation and salvation in Christ.
- When we find wisdom in God, we gain understanding—insight into ourselves, the world, and life that transcends mere knowledge. We find purpose, meaning, and eternal hope.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Finding True Wisdom in a Modern Age
What is the key difference between wisdom and knowledge according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, wisdom is the ability to use and harness knowledge in a way that promotes humanity's best and highest interests. He explains: "Wisdom is the capacity and the power to know what to do with your facts and with your knowledge and information. To use them and not abuse them, to master them instead of being mastered by them." Knowledge is merely the possession of information, while wisdom is understanding the significance of that information and knowing how to apply it properly to life.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe the modern world is in crisis despite technological advancement?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the modern world is in crisis because while we have accumulated vast knowledge and made technological advancements, we lack wisdom. He states: "The tragedy of the world tonight is that men don't know this difference. They're mad on knowledge. They have no wisdom." The result is tension, unhappiness, and conflict between nations—all stemming from humanity's failure to understand the purpose of life and how to live properly despite our technological capabilities.
Where can true wisdom be found according to the Book of Job?
According to the Book of Job, true wisdom can only be found in God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones quotes Job 28:28: "Behold the fear of the Lord. That is wisdom. And to depart from evil is understanding." He emphasizes that wisdom "is with God and with God alone. And it is the gift of God." It cannot be found on earth, in the sea, in the air, or purchased with wealth. Only by submitting to God can one obtain wisdom.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain "the fear of the Lord"?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "the fear of the Lord" does not mean "a craven fear" or "cowering into a corner." Rather, it means recognizing "that God is God and you bow before him." It involves humbling yourself, acknowledging your ignorance and helplessness, and approaching God like a little child. He describes it as: "You humble yourself before God. That's the fear of the Lord. In other words, you go to God and you say, I don't know. I don't know where I am. I don't know what I am. I don't know how to live, I don't know how to die."
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the relationship between wisdom and happiness?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that true wisdom leads to genuine happiness, peace, and contentment, whereas knowledge alone cannot provide these benefits. He states: "You can have great information, but you can be very unhappy. Wisdom looks for peace. Peace of mind, peace of heart, the quiet mind." He contrasts this with modern man, who despite all his knowledge is "the slave of his own discoveries and inventions," always restless and unable to find satisfaction.
Why can't wisdom be purchased according to the sermon?
Based on Job 28, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that wisdom "cannot be gotten for gold" and "the price of wisdom is above rubies." All the wealth in the world cannot purchase true wisdom because it's not a commodity but a gift from God. He states: "You'll never get me with your money, nor with all your wealth," and emphasizes that wisdom is "the free gift of God. You can have it for nothing without money and without price."
What is the relationship between wisdom and understanding oneself according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that wisdom involves truly understanding oneself—one's purpose, value, and nature. He criticizes the modern view that reduces humans to mere consumers or travelers, saying: "Man, in a way, has never had a lower view of himself as judged by biblical standards than he has today." True wisdom asks deeper questions like: "What is men? What is he? What is men as a being? What's he doing in this world? What is life?" Only with this self-understanding can one live a fulfilled life.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones compare the quest for knowledge with the quest for wisdom?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones observes that humanity pursues knowledge with remarkable dedication—"Men display this extraordinary ingenuity, this cleverness, this brilliance" in mining for gold or exploring space. They "risk their lives" for knowledge and material gain. However, he laments that people don't show "the same interest in wisdom" or "the same concern about understanding." They won't invest similar effort "to living a clean and decent life" or building healthy relationships, revealing their misplaced priorities.
Old Testament
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.