We have been studying the formation of mountains in geology class. I am impressed by the amazing tectonic forces involved in their uplifting and the complex puzzle they have left behind for us to decipher. Of course in class we are taught a purely naturalistic explanation. Maybe I will write more about that later.
I came across this passage in Job today. In one of Jobs speeches he compares the labor of gold miners who ‘lay bare the roots of the mountains’ in search of treasure with our own pursuit of wisdom and understanding.
Man’s hand assaults the flinty rock and lays bare the roots of the mountains. He tunnels through the rock; his eyes see all its treasures. He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light. “But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? Man does not comprehend its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me’;
…God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to man, ‘The fear of the Lord– that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding. Job 28:1-28
We can assault the flinty rock with our hands and tunnel into the depths of the mountains in search of wisdom and understanding but ultimately such precious treasure is found in God alone. He alone sees and knows all things.
The conclusion? Fear God; shun evil. What amazing insight!
Amazing passage. Amen is all one can say.