Job 28:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In addition, he mentions that humanity remains ignorant of their value, as they are not to be found in the domain of the careless, and further affirms that wisdom cannot be exchanged for gold or bought with silver's weight. Although he appears to address both inquiries, he does so by emphasizing the difficulty of finding wisdom rather than offering a definitive answer. When he sought the whereabouts of wisdom, the abyss replied, “Not here”; thus, the response highlights its absence rather than its presence. Similarly, when indicating that humanity fails to recognize its value, he concludes that it cannot be measured against gold, implying that no currency can truly represent its worth.

It is evident that this wisdom is not something that can be possessed by one's social standing or wealth. The righteous person, rich in spiritual insights, points us toward something other than earthly wisdom, encouraging us to seek divine wisdom instead. While exploring these texts for hidden allegorical meanings, we must not overlook their significance when examined through the lens of the historical context. Shortly after, he states that gold and glass cannot compare to wisdom; recognizing that glass is of far lesser value than gold raises questions as to why both are mentioned in relation to the worth of wisdom. The profound simplicity of this writing compels us to ponder the deeper meanings therein. This holy individual reflects on the nature of wisdom, which Paul refers to as "Christ the Power of God and the Wisdom of God." (1 Cor. 1:24) Solomon is noted to have said, "Wisdom hath built herself a house" (Proverbs 9:1), and the Psalmist exclaims, "Thou hast wrought all things wisely" (Psalm 103:24). This wisdom, whose value remains unknown to man, is so unlike anything else that it cannot be adequately compared. Consequently, it is asserted that the true price of wisdom is beyond understanding, akin to someone in distress admitting they have no idea what to do when faced with a dilemma.

The uncertainty surrounding the price of wisdom stems from the inability to identify worthy actions through which it can be attained. Generally, we offer a price for something in exchange for possessing it, but what can we possibly give in return for receiving this divine Wisdom, which is Christ? Thus, it is solely by grace that we find redemption. For the sinful acts we commit in life do not warrant an equal trade; had justice prevailed, the only reward we would receive would be punishment rather than Christ Himself. Thus, humanity deserves one outcome through justice but receives another through grace. Let us consider Paul, who, before receiving the invaluable truth, spoke of the thorns of errors he had committed, referring to himself as "a blasphemer, and persecutor, and injurious" (1 Tim. 1:13), yet he acknowledges, “but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” Let him testify to those for whom Christ humbly died: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." (Rom. 5:6) Therefore, those of us who, through the Wisdom made manifest, were declared ungodly, how can we provide any equivalent actions for the gift of this Wisdom? Those who are aware of this Wisdom’s price realize that their own merits are insufficient, and they recognize their inability to contribute anything truly good, leading them toward faith. One who comprehends the value of Wisdom sees in their own actions a false equivalence for acquiring knowledge of God.

They learn that this Wisdom cannot be assigned a price, as evidenced by the question in Scripture, "Who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?" (Rom. 11:35). Therefore, it is written, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8), not by works, lest anyone should boast. In reflection, he proclaims, "By the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Cor. 15:10), and it is also by this same grace that he speaks about his own conduct, which, inspired by grace and nurtured by free will, leads to ultimate fulfillment in eternal reward. However, others take joy in perceived self-righteousness, believing their own merits are enough to obtain salvation, yet their claims contradict their own reasoning. For if one considers themselves innocent, why then would they need redemption? Such self-perception is misleading. True grace does not seek out a deserving individual to receive it; instead, it elevates the unworthy who turn to God, imparting merit as a counterbalance to their deserving punishment.

It is also wise to contemplate the story of the criminal who, drawn up from despair, ascended to the Cross and from there entered Paradise. Let us consider the man he was when he arrived at the Cross and how he departed. He came weighed down by the blood of his brother, marked by his sins, yet through divine grace, he was transformed on the Cross. Calling upon the Lord in his final moments, he professed, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” (Lk. 23:42) bound by nails, he still managed to confess his faith from the depths of agony; though his body suffered, within him, grace empowered him, empowering his heart to believe rightly and confess outwardly for his salvation. The Apostle highlights three virtues that reside in the hearts of believers: faith, hope, and love, stating, “and now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three” (1 Cor. 13:13); the criminal encountered and embraced these graces simultaneously while hanging on the Cross. He demonstrated faith in Christ’s kingship even as he faced death, showing hope in his plea for entrance into the kingdom, and exhibiting love not merely for himself but also in solidarity with his fellow criminal, reminding him of their shared fate and urging him to recognize God amidst their suffering. "We indeed suffer justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss." (Lk. 23:41)

He approached the Cross burdened with sin but descended, having received the grace of redemption. He saw Christ, who suffered beside him in human frailty, while the apostles, witnessing His miracles, had denied Him. Those who cling to the notion that human strength secures salvation are under a delusion, boasting of their own personal effectiveness. If this were true, the Psalmist would not have declared, "His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever." (Psalm 111:3) Knowledge of righteousness is granted by Him, enabling us to achieve great deeds. Since we can merit nothing in our own strength that is deserving of obtaining this Wisdom, it is rightly stated that humanity does not understand its value. Thus, those who learn to see themselves through the lens of wisdom will delve deeper into their awareness, recognizing that their worthiness arises not from their own merits, but from the freely given Wisdom that cultivates their inherent worthiness.

The phrase "not found in the land of those who live carelessly" signifies a spiritual truth. The Psalmist expresses, "My soul thirsteth for Thee, as a thirsty land." (Psalm 142:6) However, this wisdom evades the realm of the indifferent, as those engrossed in earthly pleasures cannot grasp eternal truths. If one were genuinely wise, they would cast aside fleeting desires and lament their spiritual blindness. Solomon notes, “For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” (Eccl. 1:18) As an individual begins to grasp the loss they have suffered, their sorrow deepens. They recognize how they have journeyed from the joy of Paradise to the trials of this life, from nearness to angelic beings to a state of need. Such a person realizes the numerous dangers they face and laments the exile they endure due to sin, wishing instead to revel in the heavenly glory seen from which they have drifted. The Psalmist rightly illustrates this, stating, “I said in my haste, I am cut off from before Thine eyes.” (Psalm 30:23) Having contemplated the bliss of divine communion, one looks down to the earth, perceiving their fallen state and grieving both for their current position and the promises they have forsaken. Each moment in which they recognize this disparity weighs even heavier as they experience the comparative darkness of their distance from God.

As the state of torment persists, so too does the lament mirrored in their cry: “I have been deprived of my peace” (Isaiah 48:22), seeing that the fleeting joys of this life cannot bring solace to the heart. The rich, burdened by spiritual weariness, often grasp at earthly delights to soften the blows of despair. When afflicted or burdened, they divert their gaze to their wealth or possessions, momentarily taking pleasure in these transitory comforts but ultimately facing a return to deeper sorrow. Consequently, the Truth proclaims through the Gospel, "Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation." (Lk. 6:24) In contrast, the holy individual who mourns the loss of eternal joy shuns temporary distractions, echoing in spirit, “I have denied my soul comfort.” It is as if they are affirming, “I do not find solace in worldly things and will not be consoled by their abundance.” When probed about their search for true comfort, they declare, “I remembered God, and delighted in Him.” (Psalm 76:4) The remembrance of the Divine awakens a joy untainted by worldly concerns.

Moreover, it is written, "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." (Eccl. 7:4) Thus, James reminds us, “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.” (James 4:9) Indeed, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." (Matt. 5:4) This wisdom remains elusive in the realm of the indifferent, as the foolish find delight not in the rich and weighty truths of life but revel in trivial amusements. Peter reinforces this notion, stating, “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” (2 Pet. 2:3) In this way, the wise ones recognize that wisdom is not present in the carefree existence of the unreflective. Those who indulge in worldly pleasures manifest a profound ignorance, often oblivious to the expanse of their fallen state.

There is nothing that elevates a person's virtues or aligns with their divine calling more than a life devoted to God. When one yields to wickedness and indulges in their baser desires, they become as irrational as an animal, severing their ability to reason and to will.