📖 Job — Chapter 28 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Job 28:1 Surely there is a Tvein for Rthe silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.
Job 28:2 RIron is taken out of the Tearth, and brass is molten out of the stone.
Job 28:3 He setteth an end to darkness, and Rsearcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.
Job 28:5 As for the earth, Rout of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.
Job 28:6 The stones of it are the place of Rsapphires: and it hath Tdust of gold.
Job 28:7 There is Ra path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen:
Job 28:8 The lion’s whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
Job 28:9 He putteth forth his hand upon the Trock; Rhe overturneth the mountains by the roots.
Job 28:10 He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth Revery precious thing.
Job 28:11 He Rbindeth the floods from Toverflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light.
Job 28:12 But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
Job 28:13 Man Rknoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
Job 28:14 The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.
Job 28:15 RTIt cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
Job 28:16 It cannot be valued with Rthe gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
Job 28:17 The gold and the Rcrystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for Tjewels of fine gold.
Job 28:18 No mention shall be made of RTcoral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
Job 28:19 The Rtopaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
Job 28:20 RWhence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
Job 28:21 Seeing it is Rhid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the Tair.
Job 28:22 RDestruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
Job 28:23 RGod understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
Job 28:24 For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven;
Job 28:25 RTo make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.
Job 28:26 When Rhe made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:
Job 28:27 Then did he see it, and Tdeclare it; Rhe prepared it, yea, and searched it out.
Job 28:28 And Runto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Job 28:1–11 — Human skill uncovers hidden treasures
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The poem describes mining, metals, precious stones, and paths unknown to animals. Human ingenuity reaches into darkness and brings concealed things to light. These achievements make the next question sharper: the ability to find valuable materials does not mean people can obtain wisdom in the same way.
Key Truth: Technical skill does not by itself supply moral wisdom.
Check What You Remember
1. Which two precious metals begin the poem? (Job 28:1)
Find it in Job 28:1 (KJV).
2. What metal is taken from the earth? (Job 28:2)
Find it in Job 28:2 (KJV).
3. What blue precious stone is named? (Job 28:6)
Find it in Job 28:6 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Job 28:12–22 — Wisdom cannot be purchased
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The search turns to wisdom and understanding. Seas, gold, jewels, and pearls cannot provide or price it. The repeated questions expose the limits of possession and exploration. Wisdom is not merely a more expensive object added to other treasures; the poem prepares a different source and response.
Key Truth: Do not confuse possessions with understanding.
Check What You Remember
1. What is the poem asking where to find? (Job 28:12)
Find it in Job 28:12 (KJV).
2. Can wisdom be obtained for gold? (Job 28:15)
Find it in Job 28:15 (KJV).
3. Above what red gems is its price placed? (Job 28:18)
Find it in Job 28:18 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Job 28:23–28 — God knows the way of wisdom
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
God understands wisdom's way and sees the whole creation. The final instruction to people identifies fearing the LORD as wisdom and departing from evil as understanding. This conclusion directs the debate away from mastering hidden explanations and toward reverent, faithful conduct within human limits.
Key Truth: Wisdom joins reverence for God with turning from evil.
Check What You Remember
1. Who understands wisdom's way? (Job 28:23)
Find it in Job 28:23 (KJV).
2. What is called wisdom for people? (Job 28:28)
Find it in Job 28:28 (KJV).
3. What is called understanding? (Job 28:28)
Find it in Job 28:28 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Proverbs 9:10 — The proverb likewise connects wisdom with the fear of the LORD.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
What would reverence and turning from evil require in a choice facing you?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What contrast organises the poem’s question about wisdom?
2. Why does the poem list gold, silver, and precious stones?
3. What do destruction and death claim about wisdom?
4. What scope accompanies God’s knowledge of wisdom’s place?
5. How is wisdom’s human expression paired with understanding?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
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