11 They search
11 He dams up the streams so that they do not trickle, and the thing that is hidden he brings out to light.
11 They discover the origins of rivers, and bring earth's secrets to light.
11 He dams up the streams from trickling; What is hidden he brings forth to light.
11 They dam up the trickling streams and bring to light the hidden treasures.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 28:11
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?