Albert Barnes Commentary Job 28:12

"But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" — Job 28:12 (ASV)

But where shall wisdom be found? This question refers to the full understanding of God's plans, which is the central point of inquiry. Job's objective is to show that this wisdom is not found in the most profound science, nor by penetrating the earth to the farthest extent of human capability, nor through any human investigations whatever.

None of these pursuits reveal the great plans of the Almighty regarding his moral government, particularly regarding the points which engrossed the attention of Job and his friends. He proceeds to state in the subsequent verses where true wisdom is to be found.