Job 28:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This distinction shows that the teachings of divine Wisdom differ significantly from those of worldly wisdom; while the latter may lack substance and be adorned merely for show, the former emanates pure truth, emphasizing the inner essence rather than mere external display. The utterances of divine Wisdom focus not on eloquent speech but on imparting unerring truth. Thus, the Wisdom of God cannot be compared to the fabricated allure of India’s colors, for it brings the beauty of a garment untouched by dye. This superficial coloring is properly dismissed by Paul, who articulated that he spoke not in words shaped by human wisdom but those inspired by the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Cor 2:4. He chose to present this Wisdom in the clear light of truth rather than tarnish it with flashy rhetoric.

Furthermore, it states that Wisdom is not likened to precious stones such as sardonyx or sapphire (Job 28:16). It is evident that neither sardonyx nor sapphire are truly precious. Many other gems exist that greatly surpass these in value and rarity, raising the question of why these stones, considered inferior, are labeled as precious. This designation invites us to explore a deeper meaning behind these stones. Sardonyx, resembling red earth, symbolizes humanity, while sapphire, appearing as the sky, represents angels. Sardonyx is aptly associated with humans, linked to ‘Adam’ who signifies 'Red Earth' in Latin. Therefore, when it is said that Wisdom cannot be compared to sardonyx or sapphire, it underscores that He who embodies 'the Power of God and the Wisdom of God,' the mediator between God and mankind, Jesus Christ, holds an incomparable supremacy over both humanity and the heavenly hosts. Hence, the psalmist questions, “Who in heaven can be compared to the Lord?” Who among the ‘sons of God’ can parallel Him? (Psalm 88:7).

It may be suggested that sardonyx refers to the patriarchs of the Old Testament, while sapphire symbolizes the ministers of the New Testament. The former, despite their claims of righteous living, were ensnared by earthly desires. Thus, it is fitting to depict them with sardonyx, connected to the appearance of ‘red earth.’ In contrast, sapphire, with its celestial blue coloring, aptly represents the New Testament preachers who, having cast aside carnal pursuits, sought only heavenly matters. The prophet, envisioning the holy apostles surpassing earthly cravings in their spiritual fervor, proclaims, “Who are these that fly like clouds?” (Isaiah 60:8). This expresses that while we, engaged in worldly affairs such as marriage and procreation, walk on the ground, these individuals aspire to higher things, drifting above earthly desires like clouds. Thus, it is declared that the Wisdom of God transcends the sardonyx and sapphire. In essence, no one—whether ancient patriarchs or New Testament preachers—can be likened to Him, in both His divine and human natures. Therefore, he further asserts:

In the writings of the holy authors, the righteous are often referred to as wise, while the wicked are deemed foolish. True wisdom resides in the ability to live in accordance with one's divine purpose without compromising one's moral integrity. Nothing elevates a person's virtues or aligns more closely with their divine calling than a life led in accordance with God's will. When a person yields to wickedness and indulges their passions, they become like an irrational beast, losing both understanding and will.