The Benefits of Wisdom: How Not to Play the Ostrich

The Benefits of Wisdom: How Not to Play the Ostrich

The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, But are her wings and pinions like the kindly stork’s? For she leaves her eggs on the ground, And warms them in the dust; She forgets that a foot may crush them, Or that a wild beast may break them. She treats her young harshly, as though they were not hers; Her labor is in vain, without concern, Because God deprived her of wisdom, And did not endow her with understanding. When she lifts herself on high, She scorns the horse and its rider. – Job 39:13-18

So far, we have meditated on various benefits of wisdom. Our exploration of the advantages of wisdom has mostly dwelt on what wisdom is able to help one do or become. However, today, our focus will be slightly different because, rather than considering what additional feat wisdom can help one achieve, we will be looking at what wisdom will help one to unbecome instead. We shall be discussing how wisdom can help someone who possesses it not to play the ostrich.

Have you heard the expression “play the ostrich” before? It is usually used to describe deliberately ignoring a problem or situation. This is in line with the notion that an ostrich buries its head in the sand to avoid danger. Therefore, to say someone is playing the ostrich means that they are avoiding facing reality or dealing with difficult issues. In other words, they are pretending that something is not a problem by ignoring it.

However, in the context of our reference scripture today, the ostrich might have a bigger problem than merely ignoring a problem. Ostrich, as we are presented in this Bible passage, is an animal that essentially lacks wisdom, and this makes it act with recklessness, neglect, and pride. The passage describes the ostrich as neglectful of her eggs and young. The passage also contrasts the ostrich with other animals, like the stork, which is more aware and nurturing.

By attributing this flaw of the ostrich to a lack of wisdom, the Bible thus uses the ostrich to represent a person who acts without careful thought of the consequences of their action or concern as to the effects of their deeds on others. That means acting this way is a betrayal of a lack of wisdom. Also, through the passage, we can see that arrogant or careless behaviors constitute a lack of wisdom.

By graphically portraying how the ostrich behaved, the Bible also indicates that whoever possesses wisdom will not act likewise. So, whenever the urge comes to act with abandon, insensitivity, arrogance, or neglect, remember the ostrich who had behaved likewise before and what God attributed its attitude to.

You Will Succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

• The Benefits of Wisdom: Pricelessness
• Understanding God: He is Strategic
• Student Vs Professor
• To Ponder…
• Right when I needed it

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