I am amazed at how many international students are studying not just in Canada and the USA, not just in western countries but in dozens of countries. A friend works with graduate students from Vietnam who are studying in Taiwan. I just met the Dean of a Malaysian College whose students come from a variety of countries. The pursuit of knowledge crosses all international boundaries and language barriers. Enhanced by computers, the pursuit continues relentlessly.
Knowledge continues to grow exponentially and even with the help of computers none of us can obtain more than a sliver of the vast amount of knowledge in the world. Yet the pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing, stimulating, rewarding endeavour. There is so much to learn.
On the other hand, the pursuit of wisdom seems too often ignored. No institution can teach it and no degrees are given for those who attain wisdom. No scholarships are offered for those who focus on obtaining wisdom. It is fascinating that knowledge and wisdom do not seem to be linked together. You are as likely to find wisdom among those with no university degree as among those who have attained a Ph.D.
Job raises the subject of wisdom by asking the question "But where can wisdom be found?" (28:12) He answers his own question by saying: humans don't understand how important it is; you can't find it by mining deep into the earth or diving into the sea; you can't buy it no matter how wealthy you are; wisdom is hidden.
Then Job affirms: God understands the way to wisdom. "The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding." If we pursue God; if we pursue the knowledge of God both intellectually and experientially; if as we learn what God wants we obey His directions; then we will obtain that which cannot be bought but is most valuable - wisdom.
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