Job 39

“For God has deprived her of wisdom. He has given her no understanding.” (Job 39:17, NLT)

No doubt God’s answers to Job’s questions were not what Job expected. Rather than telling Job why He allowed him to suffer so much, God pointed to His work in creation—especially to His care for His creatures. God does what He wants because He is God. His ways are beyond our understanding.

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8–9, NKJV)

Some things make no sense to us. Why would God give the ostrich wings if she cannot fly? Why would He give her the ability to lay eggs but not the wisdom to care for them. She leaves them in the dust where they are easily crushed or eaten by a hungry predator. God has not endowed her with wisdom or understanding. And yet she outruns the horse and rider. Go figure!

From verse 17 we also see that only God can give wisdom and understanding. If we have understanding about anything, it is only because God has given it to us. If we lack wisdom, we can ask God who gives it generously and without finding fault (James 1:5). If we lack understanding, we can obtain it through God’s precepts (Psalm 119:104). But still we are dependent upon God. He reveals what He wills, to whom He wills, when He wills. But it is our privilege to ask, seek and knock.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7–8, NKJV)

Is there something you don’t understand? Then ask God to give you understanding. Seek Him with all your heart. Knock and keep on knocking. If He doesn’t give you understanding right away, then ask Him for wisdom in what He would have you do. God doesn’t owe us explanations. But He will show us the way we should go and care for us along the way.