Job 39:17 – “For God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Job 39:17, God explains that the ostrich, despite its great physical strength and speed, lacks wisdom and good sense compared to other animals. This lack of “good sense” is evident in the ostrich’s behaviors, such as laying its eggs on the ground, leaving them unprotected, and seeming indifferent to their survival. God highlights this unusual aspect of the ostrich’s nature to show that He has intentionally designed it with a unique set of characteristics, even if they don’t align with human logic or expectations of how a bird “should” behave.

By calling attention to the ostrich’s lack of wisdom, God is reminding Job—and us—that He is the one who decides each creature’s design and purpose. Every animal doesn’t need to act according to human expectations or logic. The ostrich’s nature, while strange and seemingly unwise, is still part of God’s diverse and purposeful creation.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, people would have been very familiar with animals like the ostrich. Known for its large size, speed, and unusual behaviors, the ostrich was often seen as a strange or curious creature. People noticed that the ostrich didn’t protect its young or act with the same level of instinctual care seen in other birds and animals, which may have led them to view it as foolish or lacking in wisdom.

For Job and his listeners, God’s description of the ostrich would serve as a reminder that His creation includes animals with various traits and behaviors, some of which may seem odd or even lacking in purpose. The mention of the ostrich’s lack of “good sense” would be a familiar example, showing that God’s wisdom is different from human reasoning.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Job 39:17 speaks to the sovereignty and wisdom of God as the Creator. God doesn’t need to give every creature the same set of instincts, intelligence, or skills. Some creatures, like the ostrich, have characteristics that don’t make sense from a human perspective, but they still serve a purpose in God’s plan. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom, even when aspects of creation don’t align with human logic or expectations.

This verse also reminds believers that human wisdom is limited and that God’s design includes elements that may appear “foolish” to us. Just as God made the ostrich without certain traits, He creates each part of the world uniquely. As humans, we are reminded that we cannot understand everything in creation, and we are invited to trust that God’s wisdom is far greater than our own.

Literary Analysis

In Job 39:17, the language used, “God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense,” emphasizes the unique nature of the ostrich. The phrase “did not endow her” implies that God intentionally created the ostrich with specific characteristics. This language underlines the point that God’s design choices are intentional, even when they seem unusual to humans.

The verse serves as part of a broader passage where God is speaking to Job, using various animals as examples of His vast and intricate creation. The poetic structure, with its emphasis on different animal traits, invites readers to marvel at the diversity and creativity in God’s work. By focusing on the ostrich’s lack of wisdom, the verse points readers toward a deeper understanding of God’s ability to create with purpose, even when that purpose isn’t immediately clear.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. This reminds us that God’s wisdom and thoughts are beyond human understanding.
• 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” This verse highlights that what may appear foolish in the eyes of the world has value in God’s design.
• Psalm 104:24 – “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” This verse praises God’s wisdom in creating a world filled with diverse creatures.

These cross-references reinforce the idea that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding and that His creation, even when it appears unusual, serves a purpose in His plan.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Job 39:17 is a reminder that God’s wisdom and design are beyond our understanding. Just as the ostrich was created without certain traits that we might see as “essential” for a bird, God may create situations or people with qualities we don’t fully understand. This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s design and purpose, even when it doesn’t align with our own expectations or logic.

This verse also teaches us not to judge others based on human standards of “wisdom” or “good sense.” Just as God created the ostrich with its unique traits, He has given each person specific gifts and abilities. We are called to appreciate the variety in God’s creation and to recognize that everyone has a place in God’s plan, regardless of whether they fit human ideas of wisdom or strength.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Job 39:17 reflects God’s love by showing that He values each part of His creation, even those that may appear foolish or lacking in wisdom. God created the ostrich with a unique set of instincts, and He doesn’t judge it by human standards. Instead, He delights in the diversity of His creation and values each creature for its own unique qualities. This reflects a God who loves each part of His creation, regardless of its abilities or limitations.

This verse also shows that God’s love includes patience and acceptance. Just as He allows the ostrich to be as it is, He values each part of creation as it was designed. This love reminds us that God sees beyond appearances and behaviors, caring for every part of His creation with compassion and understanding.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

In Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate expression of God’s wisdom, which often goes beyond human understanding. Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught that God’s ways are different from human ways. In Matthew 11:25, Jesus praises God for revealing truth to those who are humble rather than the “wise and learned.” This mirrors the message in Job 39:17, where God highlights a creature that lacks human wisdom but still has value in His creation.

In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul writes, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” Through Jesus, we see that God values those who may seem foolish or weak in the world’s eyes, and He uses them for His purposes. Jesus shows us that God’s wisdom is often hidden in places we might not expect and that everyone, no matter their strengths or weaknesses, is valued by God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the description of the ostrich’s lack of wisdom challenge our understanding of God’s purpose in creation?
2. What does this verse teach us about trusting God’s design, even when it doesn’t match human expectations?
3. How can Job 39:17 encourage us to see value in people or situations that might seem unusual or lacking in traditional wisdom?
4. In what ways does Jesus’s teaching on God’s wisdom help us understand the diversity of God’s creation?
5. How does this verse encourage us to appreciate God’s design and trust His wisdom, especially in situations we don’t fully understand?

Reflecting on Job 39:17, we are reminded of God’s wisdom, love, and purpose in all aspects of creation. This verse invites us to trust in His design, knowing that He values every creature and person He has made, even those that might defy human understanding or logic.