Job 39:17

For God has deprived her of wisdom; He has not endowed her with understanding.

Study Bible

For God has deprived her of wisdom;
This phrase highlights the sovereignty of God in creation, emphasizing that He determines the attributes and abilities of all creatures. In the context of Job 39, God is speaking to Job about the natural world, illustrating His power and wisdom through the example of the ostrich. The ostrich, despite its lack of wisdom, is part of God's intricate design. This reflects the biblical theme that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). The idea of God depriving a creature of wisdom can also be seen as a reminder of the limitations placed on creation, contrasting with the wisdom given to humans, who are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

He has not endowed her with understanding.
This part of the verse continues to underscore the limitations of the ostrich, a creature known for its seemingly foolish behavior, such as leaving its eggs unprotected. The lack of understanding in the ostrich serves as a metaphor for human limitations in comprehending God's purposes. In the broader context of the Book of Job, this highlights the theme of human suffering and the mystery of divine providence. The absence of understanding in the ostrich can be paralleled with the human condition, where people often struggle to understand God's plans and purposes, as seen in Job's own trials. This phrase also connects to the wisdom literature of the Bible, such as Proverbs, which frequently contrasts human folly with divine wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and questions God's justice.

2. God
The Creator, who speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, highlighting His sovereignty and wisdom.

3. Ostrich
The animal referenced in this verse, known for its lack of wisdom and understanding, used as an example by God to illustrate His creation's diversity and His control over it.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Creation
The diversity in creation, including the ostrich's lack of wisdom, reflects God's sovereign design and purpose. We are reminded to trust in His wisdom, even when we do not understand His ways.

Human Limitations and Divine Wisdom
Just as the ostrich lacks wisdom, humans have limitations in understanding God's plans. We are called to seek wisdom from God, acknowledging our dependence on Him.

Humility Before God
Recognizing that God has not endowed every creature with the same abilities should lead us to humility. We should not boast in our own understanding but rather submit to God's greater wisdom.

Purpose in God's Design
Every aspect of creation, even those that seem flawed or lacking, serves a purpose in God's grand design. We should find comfort in knowing that God has a plan for everything, including our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the example of the ostrich in Job 39:17 illustrate the limitations of human wisdom compared to God's wisdom?

2. In what ways can recognizing our own limitations lead us to a deeper trust in God's sovereignty?

3. How can we apply the lesson of humility from this verse in our daily interactions with others?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to seek God's wisdom rather than relying on your own understanding?

5. How does understanding God's purpose in creation help you find peace in situations that seem confusing or chaotic?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 2:6
This verse emphasizes that wisdom and understanding come from the Lord, contrasting the ostrich's lack of these qualities with the divine source of true wisdom.

Isaiah 55:8-9
These verses remind us that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, aligning with the theme of God's sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding.

1 Corinthians 1:25
This passage speaks to the wisdom of God being greater than human wisdom, reinforcing the idea that what may seem foolish to us is part of God's perfect plan.