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I began with https://biblehub.com/commentaries/job/28-28.htm. Here I read several commentaries that have been extremely enlightening.

Elliott’s Commentary for English Readers, points to the fear of the Lord as essential to “any other revelation, or any other development of wisdom, or any other manifestation of it.” (C.J. Elliott) As Elliott expresses it, humanity is incapable of receiving wisdom without the fear of the Lord. In this sense, in order to depart from evil there must be a revelation of the knowledge of evil as being evil. If we do not perceive evil as God perceives it, we cannot know to depart from it. Without fear of the Almighty we will ultimately rest secure in our own knowledge of evil. How often have men attempted to be judge of another man’s sins even though he has not addressed his own sins. So too if we do not address God’s characterization of sin and evil, we will constantly be lacking in true wisdom and the ability to depart from them in our lives. How can we know to turn to Almighty God for wisdom if we do not accept that he is Almighty, all powerful, the ultimate authority and judge. It is the fear of the Lord that makes it possible for us to receive his wisdom.

[Charles John Ellicott (1819-1905) was a distinguished biblical scholar and theologian of the 19th century, renowned for his profound contributions to the study of the New Testament.]

Benson’s Commentary begins by asserting that “man’s wisdom doth not lie in a curious inquiry into, or an exact knowledge of God’s secret counsels, and the ways of his providence”. (J. Benson) Benson continues, noting, “God spake it partly, and at first inwardly, to the mind of man, in which he wrote this with his own finger; and partly afterward, by the holy patriarchs and prophets, and other teachers whom he sent into the world, to teach men true wisdom; which accordingly they did, not by acquainting the people with the secrets of God’s counsels and providence, but by declaring to them his revealed will, and instructing them in their duty toward God and one another; making it their great and principal, if not only business, to make men wise unto salvation”. (J. Benson)Benson focuses on God’s purpose for speaking to the mind of man, and later to using the pen of patriarchs and prophets, to teach men true wisdom. There is a duty, a responsibility that mankind has when God’s will is revealed. God’s purpose is to make us wise unto salvation. God imparts to us wisdom that we might be redeemed from the curse of sin that has been passed on from Adam to all mankind.  

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Benson continues, noting that the fear of the Lord is “true religion in all its branches, including the knowledge and love of God, followed by obedience to his will, and every part of godliness and righteousness.” (J. Benson) Benson clarifies that true religion is “doing good and departing from evil” (J. Benson) It is important to note that the product or result of the Fear of the Lord in our lives is “knowledge and love of God, followed by obedience to his will, and every part of godliness and righteousness.” (J. Benson)

[Joseph Benson was a distinguished figure in the Methodist movement, remembered not only for his devout spirituality but also for his significant contributions to biblical scholarship and commentary. Born on January 25, 1749, in Melmerby, Cumberland, England, Benson developed a fervent interest in theology and the Methodist teachings of John Wesley from a young age. This early passion set the course for his lifelong dedication to the Methodist church and its doctrines.]

Both of these commentaries focus on the relationship between the fear of the Lord and wisdom. Benson makes it clear that God has placed in all of us a certain innate knowledge. This innate knowledge is also spoken to by the writer of Romans when he notes, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Romans 1:18-20 This innate truth that God is, has been imprinted upon our souls from the very beginning. But in our stubbornness and rebellion we choose to shun the truth of who God is. 

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David declares in Psalm 19 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3 And again the Apostle Paul speaking of the grace and creation of God declares, “We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless, he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 10: 15-17 The visible things of nature demonstrate that there is a creator. Mankind may invent, uncover, discover but mankind cannot create out of nothing such an orderly creation. We have this innate knowledge that something beyond ourselves has created all that we see and ourselves as well. But not all will acknowledge this truth and pursue it to its end result. Mankind has turned its worship and honor inward, worshipping the creation rather than the creator.

In his commentary on the Fear of the Lord, Alfred Barnes makes this statement, “the substance of all that God had said to man was, that true wisdom was to be found in profound veneration of him.” (A. Barnes) Profound veneration. It is quite different from cringing from the sight of someone you fear. There is a sense of awe that is associated with this veneration fear. Barnes continues noting, “real wisdom is connected with a proper veneration for God, and with submission to him” (A. Barnes) This “divine communication” as Barnes puts it was first spoken to “our first parents”. Barnes notes that science cannot inform us or teach us of how God governs, nor can science instruct us in “all we would wish to know about God”.(A. Barnes) Therefore Barnes concludes, if we would know God we must first acknowledge him as God, true wisdom in Barnes’ eyes “is found in humble piety; in reverence for the name and perfections of God; in that veneration which leads us to adore him, and to believe that he is right, though clouds and darkness are round about him.” 

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I like how Barnes concluded his thoughts on the vanity of man’s attempts to learn wisdom and knowledge apart from the fear of the Lord. Barnes notes, “he who aims to lead a holy life, who has a virtuous heart, and who seeks to do always what is right, will have a clearer view of the government and truth of God, than the most profound intellect can obtain without a heart of piety; and that without that, all the investigations of the most splendid talents will be practically in vain.” (A. Barnes)

[Albert Barnes (1798-1870) was an eminent American theologian, pastor, and author, best known for his extensive work in biblical commentary.]

I am thankful to the Lord our God for great men of biblical understanding who have filled volumes of teachings for us to know and understand the Word of God. 

I am thankful to the Lord our God for his Holy Spirit who uses the hearts and minds of men and women to proclaim the good news of his grace, mercy and love.

I am thankful to the Lord for his Holy Spirit who still today speaks to us of the goodness of God and his great love for us.

I am thankful to the Lord our God for his Holy Spirit who still today takes the words of Christ and pursues them to our hearts that we might indeed know the God of our salvation.

I pray that the Lord himself by his eternal spirit will reveal to you, his truths. That you too venerate-fear and adore him and pursue a life of obedience to His word.  

Today if the Spirit of the Lord is speaking to you drawing you to himself do not resist but listen to what he is saying to your heart.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the most high is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 

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In her book The Life of Faith, Mrs. Cornelia Nazum closes chapter 2 with two Old Testament references. Mrs. Nazum is continuing the theme of resist the devil and he will flee. Mrs. Nazum makes this bold statement, “God will enable us to abide fully, wholly in him, and remain there if we will set our wills to get there at any cost” (p 17). This is where she also references Proverbs 18:10 noting “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe.” (KJV) I want to examine the bold statement before getting to Proverbs 18:10. For many believers we have not come to the knowledge of who God is. We know about him because we have read the bible or bible stories. Or we know about him because we go to church and listen to preachers talk about him. I have found that there was a profound difference in my ability to more completely abide in God when I began to experience who he is in my life. Even as a child I believed that God existed. But the scriptures are very clear that demons know he exists (James 2:19) For you and me we need to know him on a more personal level. Until we come to know him as a personal God and savior, we will be subject to the fears and anxieties that abound in this fallen world. If you are still struggling with an up and down faith. If you still struggle with the truth of God’s love for you, if there are times that you feel God does not love you, it is because you have not come to know him. No man can convince you of who God is only the Spirit of the living God can reveal him to you. 

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Mrs. Nazum is able to boldly declare that God is a “strong tower” because of her experiences during her life in Christ. In chapter One of her book The Life of Faith, Mrs. Nazum relates a time when her health had so deteriorated that she was seen by a specialist who in her words “who had been used to raise people from death’s door to health”. (p12) When the doctor examined her, he concluded “no doctor or medicine can cure you. You will have to die very soon. If you have any preparations to make, do it quickly.” (p12) Mrs. Nazum had experienced a personal transformative life in Christ after twenty-seven years of devastating health. She recognizes the grace of God and the power of God working in her behalf and she of testified that Jesus “was to receive me and heal me, so that now at the age of seventy-one, I am doing the work of three women and have not lain in bed from sickness for so long that I cannot remember when I did so last.” (p12)

Without a confidence in who God is Mrs. Nazum would not have been able to rest confidently in God’s ability to do what no medicine or doctor could do. No wonder she holds such great value in the scripture found in Proverbs 18: 10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe.” (KJV)

Have you come to the place where your intimate knowledge of God compels you to rest in him even when it seems that all is hopeless?

When troubles rise in your life, is he your refuge or do you try to know what you have done wrong to deserve this trouble?

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When the troubles and trials of this life seem to overwhelm you, is he your help when you have no strength or do you look for rational reasons for the calamities so that you can deal with it?

Beloved, many of the trials of this life, many are the sorrows, losses and disappointments of this life. We are not promised to be free from them. But we are promised that Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33) Jesus’ message to the disciples was not that they would not have trouble. In fact, he clearly told them that you will be scattered. He let them know that it was not going to be one of them that would stand with him in his hour of need. But I can imagine him looking intently into each of their faces and declaring to them “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.” Jesus knew their weaknesses. Jesus knew their hearts. But he also knew what they would become once he had left. He knew that what they would go through personally would change them for all eternity. Jesus knew not only how they would falter but he also knew how they would confront and overcome every trial of their faith.  Which means that as we abide in him, as we hold fast to the profession of our faith, as we endure hardship as good and faithful children we too overcome.  We are able to overcome because we know him. If you have not come to that place. I encourage you to examine why you believe God is. 

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When you are able to articulate why you believe he is God that does not rely upon the traditions, and beliefs of others then you will have an assurance, a confidence that will not fade when darkness of this life descends.What is your personal testimony of who God is that is indisputable? I know the changes that knowing Christ has brought into my life. The changes that brought peace that transcend the loss of loved ones: Peace that removed fear of an uncertain future. Peace, that changed my perspective on the troubles of this life. It is this confidence in who God is that causes me to read Job 14:1 and be of good cheer. Job 14:1 says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” I am able to be of good cheer and encouraged because of Jesus’ declaration, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b

Jesus is the name of the Lord; Jesus is the strong tower where the righteous find safety. 

Beloved, I encourage you to ask the Lord to reveal who God is in you. If you have not experienced this same confidence of knowing him as a strong tower that you can find refuge in, God promises to not turn anyone away who comes to him. God wants us to turn to him with repentant and heartfelt desire to know him. Jesus is more interested in accepting you than you are to ask him. After all Jesus has already sacrificed his life for you and I and anyone who will come to him.