And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse subtly contrasts God's inaccessible, absolute wisdom with the wisdom attainable by humanity. While God's wisdom encompasses the universe's profound mysteries, human wisdom is found in a practical, ethical relationship with Him: revering Him and actively choosing goodness.
And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The chapter concludes Job's extended reflection on the inscrutability of true wisdom, which he's argued can't be found in earthly riches or intellectual pursuits. Instead, he pivots to what God has revealed as the only path to wisdom for humanity: acknowledging God's sovereignty and living according to His will. This declaration serves as the ultimate conclusion to his lengthy lament and defense, framing his own piety as the correct response to life's profound mysteries.
Ever felt like there's a secret code to life only some people understand? Job 28 dismantles the idea that true wisdom is found in hidden knowledge or clever schemes.
The entire book of Job has wrestled with the nature of wisdom, searching for it in the earth, the sea, and the heavens. But in this closing verse, the ultimate source of wisdom is revealed: it's not something we discover through our own exhaustive searching or intellectual prowess.
Instead, God Himself declares that true wisdom for humanity is found in a specific, divine directive. It's a stark contrast to the relentless pursuit of hidden knowledge that characterized Job's friends and even Job himself throughout his suffering.
A Divine Decree
God's statement isn't a suggestion; it's a foundational principle. He's not saying, 'Here's one way to be wise,' but rather, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.' This is the definitive statement on where human wisdom originates and what it truly comprises. It shifts the focus from our ability to comprehend God's mysterious ways to our posture before Him.
Why does the verse link 'wisdom' with fearing God and 'understanding' with turning from evil? It's not just poetic language; it reveals a crucial dynamic.
The verse presents two essential components of true godliness: fearing the Lord and turning away from evil. These aren't separate ideas but are presented as the core of human wisdom and understanding.
Ask a follow-up
Wisdom is the Foundation: 'The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.' This speaks to our reverence, awe, and submission to God's authority. It’s the core orientation of our heart towards the Creator.
Understanding is the Action: 'And to turn away from evil is understanding.' This is the outward expression and practical outworking of that inner reverence. It’s the discernment and deliberate choice to reject sin and live according to God's will.
These two aspects are inseparable. Genuine wisdom isn't just about knowing the right things; it's about living them out. Turning from evil is the concrete evidence that the 'fear of the Lord' has taken root in our hearts and is shaping our minds.
Understand the original words
yir'ah · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word refers to the reverential awe, obedience, and submission due to God as Creator and Judge; it is the fundamental starting point for a right relationship with Him and the basis of true insight.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
The supreme, divine attribute denoting the practical application of knowledge, discernment, and moral skill in living a life that honors God and aligns with His created order.
binah · Hebrew Noun
The moral and intellectual capacity to discern between good and evil, often characterized by a practical, experiential knowledge of the truth that leads to godly living.
sur · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the intentional moral action of withdrawing from sin, wickedness, or actions that are contrary to God’s holy standards.
This passage directly echoes Job's declaration, stating that 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.' It reinforces the idea that true wisdom starts with reverence for God.
Proverbs 8:13Here, wisdom itself speaks, personified, and declares, 'The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and crooked words.' This links the fear of the Lord directly to a moral disposition against evil, mirroring Job's verse.
Ecclesiastes 12:13This verse serves as a concluding summary of life's purpose, similar to Job's conclusion: 'The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.'
Psalm 111:10This psalm affirms the same principle: 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!' This highlights that fearing God leads to genuine understanding and endures.
1 Peter 3:11-12This New Testament passage offers a parallel, advising believers to 'turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.'
bensonJob 28:28: "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Job 28:28 . And — Or, rather, but, unto man — For this is added by way of opposition, to show 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, but in things of quite another nature; he said — Unto Adam, in the day when he was created, and in and with him to all his posterity: that is, G…
clarkeJob 28:28: "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Unto man he said - לאדם laadam, unto man, he said: This probably refers to the revelation of his will which God gave to Adam after his fall. He had before sought for wisdom in a forbidden way. When he and Eve saw that the tree was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, they took and did eat, Genesis 3:6 . Thus they lost all the wisdom that they ha…
The verse subtly contrasts God's inaccessible, absolute wisdom with the wisdom attainable by humanity. While God's wisdom encompasses the universe's profound mysteries, human wisdom is found in a practical, ethical relationship with Him: revering Him and actively choosing goodness.
The chapter concludes Job's extended reflection on the inscrutability of true wisdom, which he's argued can't be found in earthly riches or intellectual pursuits. Instead, he pivots to what God has revealed as the only path to wisdom for humanity: acknowledging God's sovereignty and living according to His will. This declaration serves as the ultimate conclusion to his lengthy lament and defense, framing his own piety as the correct response to life's profound mysteries.
The chapter concludes Job's extended reflection on the inscrutability of true wisdom, which he's argued can't be found in earthly riches or intellectual pursuits. Instead, he pivots to what God has revealed as the only path to wisdom for humanity: acknowledging God's sovereignty and living according to His will. This declaration serves as the ultimate conclusion to his lengthy lament and defense, framing his own piety as the correct response to life's profound mysteries.
"And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”" — The verse subtly contrasts God's inaccessible, absolute wisdom with the wisdom attainable by humanity. While God's wisdom encompasses the universe's profound mysteries, human wisdom is found in a pra…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026