The Wisdom of Job

The Book of Job is one of the most unique in the Old Testament. Although some have placed it as ancient, I believe it is contemporaneous with the other Wisdom books--Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. Why? Because the themes are tied up with those of the other books (especially Proverbs).

"God's word to mankind is this: 'Behold, the fear of God is wisdom; and turning from evil is understanding'" (Job 28:28--my paraphrase). Although the book seems obsessed with the search for wisdom, this summary of the first half of the book states the moral, that "the fear of God" which really means, "deep reverence and piety," and the rejection of evil, are wisdom for mankind. This agrees with Proverbs (i.e. Pr. 1:7) and Ecclesiastes (Ecc. 12:13-14).

Even though the book may have been written later, the story of Job goes back to the Patriarchal period. He was a tribal chief and wealthy sheik long before the national identity of Israel was formed. In fact, the most common OT name for God, Yahweh, only appears in the beginning and ending chapters and one time in the body of the dialogues, in chapter twelve. Instead, Job and his associates use other Semitic names for God. Elohim (God-plural), El (Mighty God or just God), Elah (singular of Elohim--God), Shaddai (Almighty) and even Qadosh (the Holy One).

Perhaps Job was a story either retold in Hebrew or translated from another language, edited to fit the writer's purposes and fitted with an introduction (chapters 1-2), a bridge ( the "Hymn to Wisdom" in chapter 28), and a conclusion (chapter 38-42). Or else, the writer had such skill that he presented his exotic characters speaking with a foreign speech pattern and vocabulary. If you ever read a Louis L'Amour western, you will be familiar with such dialogue. ("They're fixin' breakfast for the boss right now," the bartender said, "and I'll just have them put on something extry" The Rider of Lost Creek, L. L'Amour). 

The language is so different than the rest of the OT that even the Greek translators working on the Septuagint left many passages untranslated. Modern commentators, due to the unusual language, have all kinds of explanations. But I think the final writer/editor produced a work of such depth and enduring quality that it may be simply that he/she did an exceptional job.

The Dead Sea scrolls have helped in improving the Hebrew text. Discoveries of Semitic writings at Ras-Shamra in the early 20th century have expanded our understanding of various languages and dialects so that scholars are better equipped today than ever before to translate Job.

Still, the wonder of this book comes from its exotic setting. God is worshipped in the patriarchal period, even by a desert sheik who is careful in his worship of the Almighty. Yet, unbeknownst to him, a cosmic battle for his soul is being waged in the courts of heaven. This results in the enemy of God being allowed to pillage Job's lands, take the lives of his children and even afflict him with a painful illness. Yet, despite all of his sufferings, Job refuses to "curse God and die."

"'Shall we accept good (tov) from God and not misfortune (ra-evil)?' In all this Job did not sin with his lips" (Job 2:10).

Job exhausts himself looking for the answer to his question: "If I didn't do anything wrong, why am I experiencing such misfortune?" Human philosophy, argued by his friends, does not give him the wisdom he seeks. He even begins to prepare a lawsuit against God. But he is interrupted by Elihu, who clumsily argues for the greatness of God. 

Finally, God Himself speaks from the storm-clouds. But He doesn't really answer Job's questions. Instead, He simply says, "I'm God and you're not. You need to accept that I am Wisdom itself. Just because you can't figure out the answer is not important. It is better that you know Me. I am the Answer." 

You see, Job never really is given the little "a" answer to his question. Instead, he meets the big "A" Answer to every question. Job's response says he "gets it." "I had heard of you with my ears, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I abase myself and repent (recant my lawsuit) in dust and ashes" (Isa. 42:5-6).

So, before you start to blame God for all of your woes, remember Job. It's okay to pour out your heart and your questions to Him. But always remember, that He's God and you're not. As long as you keep that perspective, you will have all of the wisdom that is available to mankind.