Oh so smart, yet so dumb

In chapter 28, Job explored the accomplishments of mankind in his day. He approached the philosophical question of  knowledge (intelligence) vs wisdom. 

Job rhetorically asked where, in all his society's exploration, accomplishment, and view of the physical world, can one find wisdom.

Vss 1-11 are a beautiful, poetic look at the accomplishments of that world of Job's. "There is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined..."

Vs 12 "But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?"

Then again in vs 20 it is rephrased as, "Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?"

He settled the question with verse 28, " And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' "

There have been a variety of explanations offered by students of scripture as to the meaning of "understanding" and the possible differences to be made between "understanding" and "wisdom." 

I am inclined toward the train of thought that equates "understanding," in this context, with "wisdom." An example might be that old phrase I quote often, "I don't understand everything I know..."

Whereas, if we use the word "understanding" in the context of 'knowledge,' or 'intelligence,' we might say something like, "I understand the theory of sub-atomic particle acceleration." 

Although Job was contrasting "wisdom" with the knowledge and technological accomplishments of his day, he wasn't contrasting "understanding" with "wisdom" in these verses. He was using them as synonyms in a rephrasing, for poetic emphasis.

I see a strong relevance in this to our society. We live in a society which values knowledge and ability above wisdom and ethics. There are many things of which we are capable that we should have the wisdom to not do. We are so smart and yet continue to do dumb things.

The scientists who worked together to develop nuclear fission and fusion were almost unanimous in their feeling that this should never be used for destructive purposes, but only for the good of mankind. Unfortunately, their wisdom was overruled by political ability.

There is a crisis looming in healthcare. We have the 'ability' to do incredibly extensive and expensive diagnostic procedures and treatments, but we don't have the corporate societal wisdom to say when we shouldn't be doing those things. There are procedures and prescriptions R_X'd everyday just to prevent a possible malpractice suit, even though it's against the better judgment of the physician and contrary to ethical practice.

I'm thinking that God allows us the flexibility to pursue, headlong, paths that are contrary to good judgment and our own ultimate well-being. We frequently do this, to paraphrase a former President, "because (we) can."

Wisdom isn't found in the many things we can do or have. Wisdom is generally found in the power of restraint. There are some things we shouldn't do because we 'fear' hurting someone else. There are things we shouldn't do because we 'fear' hurting or displeasing God. There are some things we shouldn't touch because it might become evil to us.

God, please give us the wisdom to understand that just because we can - doesn't mean we should. Please give me wisdom so I won't make dumb decisions.