281 Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold which they refine; 2 Iron is taken out of the dust, and copper is molten out of the stone. 3 [Man] putteth an end to the darkness, and exploreth to the utmost limit, the stones of darkness and of the shadow of death. 4 He openeth a shaft far from the inhabitants [of the earth]: forgotten of the foot, they hang suspended; away below men they hover. 5 As for the earth, out of it cometh bread, and underneath it is turned up as by fire; 6 The stones of it are the place of sapphires, and it hath dust of gold. 7 It is a path no bird of prey knoweth, and the vulture's eye hath not seen it; 8 The proud beasts have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed over it. 9 [Man] putteth forth his hand upon the flinty rock, he overturneth the mountains by the root. 10 He cutteth out channels in the rocks, and his eye seeth every precious thing. 11 He bindeth the streams that they drip not, and what is hidden he bringeth forth to light.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 28:1-11
Commentary on Job 28:1-11
(Read Job 28:1-11)
Job maintained that the dispensations of Providence were regulated by the highest wisdom. To confirm this, he showed of what a great deal of knowledge and wealth men may make themselves masters. The caverns of the earth may be discovered, but not the counsels of Heaven. Go to the miners, thou sluggard in religion, consider their ways, and be wise. Let their courage and diligence in seeking the wealth that perishes, shame us out of slothfulness and faint-heartedness in labouring for the true riches. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! How much easier, and safer! Yet gold is sought for, but grace neglected. Will the hopes of precious things out of the earth, so men call them, though really they are paltry and perishing, be such a spur to industry, and shall not the certain prospect of truly precious things in heaven be much more so?