A Partial Truth
Between morning and evening they are broken in pieces; unregarded, they perish forever. Is their tent-cord not pulled out within them? They die, yet without wisdom. Job 4:20-21 NASB
Without wisdom – Eliphaz is right about one thing. We die without wisdom. Not all the questions are answered. Perhaps not even a few. If ḥokmâ is the measure of faith, we probably all fall short. However (and it’s a big pause), biblical ḥokmâ is not theoretical understanding or cosmic insight.
The essential idea of ḥākam represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning life’s experiences; including matters of general interest and basic morality. These concerns relate to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of the Lord.[1]
Consider biblical “wisdom” as moral savvy. It’s practical. It’s applicable. There are no “ivory tower” Hebrews. ḥokmâis a learned and practiced skill!
Reflected in ot wisdom is the teaching of a personal God who is holy and just and who expects those who know him to exhibit his character in the many practical affairs of life. This perfect blend of the revealed will of a holy God with the practical human experiences of life is also distinct from the speculative wisdom of the Greeks. The ethical dynamic of Greek philosophy lay in the intellect; if a person had perfect knowledge he could live the good life (Plato). Knowledge was virtue. The emphasis of ot wisdom was that the human will, in the realm of practical matters, was to be subject to divine causes. Therefore, Hebrew wisdom was not theoretical and speculative. It was practical, based on revealed principles of right and wrong, to be lived out in daily life.[2]
Eliphaz’ argument follows the logic of the unconcerned deity for whom men are but clay toys, unimportant in the great cosmic play. They can be discarded at will any time for their role makes no significant difference to the drama. Eliphaz is absolutely right—about every ancient cosmology except the Hebrews’. We might die without an intellectual resolution of life’s great dilemmas, but that is not the perspective of the Hebraic world or of Job. Life is practiced skill, the craft of moral obedience, a long journey in the same direction. Prudence is more important than comprehension. In fact, there are significant examples in the history of Israel where men are asked to do the (rationally) impossible simply because they trust God. Dying without rational understanding actually doesn’t matter too much. Dying without a practiced relationship does. And a practiced relationship usually means unanswered rational questions.
So be it.
Topical Index: ḥokmâ, wisdom, skill, prudence, rational, Job 4:20-21
[1] Goldberg, L. (1999). 647 חָכַם. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer Jr., & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (electronic ed., p. 282). Moody Press.
[2] Ibid.
“There are no “ivory tower” Hebrews. ḥokmâ is a learned and practiced skill!” Emet! “The emphasis of ot wisdom was that the human will, in the realm of practical matters, was [is] to be subject to divine causes. Therefore, Hebrew wisdom was [is] not theoretical and speculative. It was [is] practical, based on revealed principles of right and wrong, to be lived out in daily life.” Amen.
“Life is practiced skill, the craft of moral obedience, a long journey in the same direction. Prudence is more important than comprehension. In fact, there are significant examples in the history of Israel where men are asked to do the (rationally) impossible simply because they trust God. Dying without rational understanding actually doesn’t matter too much. Dying without a practiced relationship does. And a practiced relationship usually means unanswered rational questions.” Emet… and amen.
Yes! Thank you, Skip, for articulating this so coherently and straightforward (for our benefit of knowing and understanding what it is to remain looking straight forward)!
”For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, training us in order that, denying impiety and worldly desires, we may live self-controlled and righteously and godly in the present age, looking forward to the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, in order that he might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good deeds. Speak these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Cf. Titus 2:11-16)
Therefore also he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, because he always lives in order to intercede on their behalf. (Cf. Hebrews 7:25)
The faith of Christ indeed remains looking forward… for us; a risen and ascended faith; at the Right Hand of the Father.
The faith of Christ indeed remains looking forward… for us; a risen and ascended faith; at the Right Hand of the Father.
When he, who is above, says “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and offerings for sin you did not want, nor did you delight in,” which are offered according to the law, then he has said, “Behold, I have come to do your will.”
He takes away the first in order to establish the second, by which will we are consecrated… made holy… who are set apart by God, and sent by him to perform his will…through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Cf. Hebrews 10:8-10)