Bible Strands
Job 28:12
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Job speaks to his companions during a poetic discourse on wisdom, immediately after describing how human labor uncovers hidden resources. He poses a direct question about the location of wisdom and understanding.
The words — חָכְמָה (cha.khe.mah) translates literally to "wisdom," and בִּינָֽה (bi.Nah) means "understanding." Both terms anchor the verse’s inquiry into the origin of discernment.
The thread — The identical question about the location of wisdom and understanding appears in Job 28:20. The motif of seeking wisdom as hidden treasure runs through Proverbs 2:4, while James 1:5 redirects the pursuit toward asking God for it.
Why it lands — The text states that wisdom and understanding cannot be located by human effort or earthly exploration. It requires the reader to acknowledge that these qualities lie beyond human reach and must be sought from their divine source.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
Cross-references
- Job 28:20 From where, then, does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell?
- Proverbs 2:4 if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,
- James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
- Proverbs 3:19 The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.
- 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
- Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- Job 28:28 And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
- Ecclesiastes 7:23 All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me.
- James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
- 1 Kings 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”