But a witless manThis phrase refers to a person lacking understanding or discernment. In the context of the Book of Job, Zophar, one of Job's friends, is speaking. He implies that Job lacks wisdom in his complaints against God. The term "witless" suggests a deficiency in spiritual insight, which is a recurring theme in wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, where wisdom is often equated with the fear of the Lord (
Proverbs 1:7).
can no more become wise
The transformation from foolishness to wisdom is depicted as impossible without divine intervention. This reflects the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God alone (James 1:5). The idea is that human effort alone cannot achieve spiritual enlightenment or understanding, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God.
than the colt of a wild donkey
The imagery of a wild donkey's colt is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context. Wild donkeys were known for their untamed and stubborn nature, symbolizing a natural state of rebellion and independence. This metaphor highlights the inherent folly and untamed nature of humanity without divine guidance, similar to how the Israelites are sometimes described as stubborn and rebellious (Jeremiah 2:24).
can be born a man!
This phrase underscores the impossibility of a natural transformation without divine intervention. Just as a wild donkey's colt cannot naturally become a human, a foolish person cannot become wise on their own. This reflects the biblical theme of transformation through God's power, akin to the new birth described in the New Testament (John 3:3-7), where spiritual rebirth is necessary for entering the kingdom of God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man of great faith and patience, who undergoes severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his dialogues with friends and his quest for understanding God's ways.
2.
Zophar the NaamathiteOne of Job's three friends who visits him to offer counsel. Zophar is known for his blunt and sometimes harsh approach, emphasizing God's justice and the need for repentance.
3.
The DialogueThis verse is part of Zophar's first speech to Job, where he criticizes Job's claims of innocence and suggests that Job lacks understanding.
4.
The Wild DonkeyA metaphor used in ancient Near Eastern literature to describe untamed and foolish behavior, symbolizing a lack of wisdom and understanding.
5.
The SettingThe land of Uz, where Job resides, is the backdrop for this profound exploration of human suffering and divine sovereignty.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Human WisdomHuman wisdom is limited and often flawed. Zophar's metaphor underscores the futility of human efforts to attain true wisdom without divine intervention.
The Need for HumilityRecognize our limitations and approach God with humility, acknowledging that true wisdom comes from Him alone.
The Role of RepentanceZophar's speech, though harsh, points to the importance of repentance and seeking God's wisdom in times of trial.
The Importance of DiscernmentDiscern the difference between human advice and divine truth. Not all counsel, even from well-meaning friends, aligns with God's wisdom.
The Pursuit of Godly WisdomActively seek wisdom through prayer, scripture, and a relationship with God, understanding that it is a lifelong journey.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Job 11
What events mark the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem?
Job 11:12 likens humans to wild donkeys; how does this align with Genesis' teaching that humans reflect God's image?
How can Matthew 21:4-5 be considered a valid fulfillment of prophecy if the details differ from other Gospel accounts?
What is the significance of Palm Sunday?(12)
For vain man would be wise, &c., is extremely difficult, because it is hard to distinguish subject and predicate. Literally, it runs,
And hollow man is instructed, and the wild ass's colt is born a man.Whether it means that if God did not thus conceal His observation of human actions, the very fool and the most obstinate would become instructed and disciplined, whereas now they are allowed to go on in their folly and obstinacy; or whether it is meant that, notwithstanding the dealings of Providence, hollow-hearted man is still devoid of heart, and every son of Adam at his birth is a very wild ass colt; or whether, again, it is meant that by reason of the Divine discipline the hollow-hearted man is disciplined, and the very wild ass colt is born a man and humanised, it is hard to decide. The uncertainty in part arises from our not knowing the exact meaning of the first verb: whether it is to get understanding or to be deprived of it--for either is possible. Another way of taking the context is to refer the last clause of
Job 11:11, not to God, but to man. Man sees not that God sees him, for an empty man will get understanding when a wild ass's colt is born a man--that is, the latter is as likely as the former. One point is pretty clear, that by the wild ass's colt Zophar means Job. However, he suggests that if he will become something better and wiser, and will put away his secret sin, which he is convinced must cling to him, then he shall again know prosperity and be established in it.
Verse 12.- For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt; rather,
and a vain man may get understanding,
and the colt of a wild ass become a than (compare the Revised Version, marginal rendering). Zophar seems to mean that, through Divine discipline, such as that described in ver. 10, a vain, foolish, puffed-up man may be reclaimed and become a man of understanding - a stubborn and untamed one, wild as the colt of a wild ass, grow into a real man,
i.e. acquire sense and discretion. If this is the meaning, undoubtedly Job is glanced at (so Schultens, Dillmann, and Canon Cook).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But a witlessנָ֭בוּב(nā·ḇūḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5014:To pierce, to be hollow, foolishmanוְאִ֣ישׁ(wə·’îš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personcan no more become wiseיִלָּבֵ֑ב(yil·lā·ḇêḇ)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3823:Transport, stultify, to make cakesthan the coltוְעַ֥יִר(wə·‘a·yir)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5895:A young ass, an ass-coltof a wild donkeyפֶּ֝֗רֶא(pe·re)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6501:A wild donkeycan be bornיִוָּלֵֽד׃(yiw·wā·lêḏ)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineagea man!אָדָ֥ם(’ā·ḏām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human being
Links
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OT Poetry: Job 11:12 An empty-headed man becomes wise when (Jb) 
