In the past, cultures around the world often drew wisdom from observing the natural world around them. Be it animals, celestial bodies, or other elements in the universe. This is a result of the human mind that continues to develop and tries to find various ways to understand everything that happens in its life. Perhaps a similar process was undertaken by God when He encountered Job who had repeatedly invited Him to ask questions about his suffering. God revealed His revelation in a way that Job understood. He did not explicitly reveal all of His thoughts because the limited human mind certainly cannot compare with God's wisdom that surpasses all understanding. So God used various creatures and the entire universe to be the means of conveying God's message to Job.

In the passage we read, God continues His description of the wild donkey. Earlier in verse 8, God described a wild donkey that was let loose and a bitch that was unhitched. Their place is not in the cities where domesticated donkeys have long been relied upon for their reliability in transporting people and goods. Rather, God had provided a place for the donkeys in the wilderness. There they could find food easily while in the city they were a stranger. God wanted to emphasize that He understands every characteristic of His creation.

God continued His narrative this time by using the wild ox as an illustration to make His point. Oxen have long been domesticated for plowing, harrowing, pulling carts with crops and other heavy goods; their strength far exceeds that of humans. However, there are also oxen that keep away from people and will not submit, are not attracted by food from the manger, do not want to be forced to follow people's orders or entrusted to do what their master wants. Meanwhile, the ostrich has long been used in wisdom literature to illustrate the absence of wisdom seen in action. It is based on the observation that ostriches often leave their eggs in the hot sun and brood at night. Such actions are interpreted as being harsh to His children.

Friends of the Bible, a life based on the wisdom of God is a life lived mindfully. Often, as modern humans, we get caught up in our busy lives and daily routines. Life is lived without meaning and everything passes us by. However, through today's reading we are invited to live out His wisdom and guidance through everything around us. When we feel so lonely and hopeless, it could be that God has strengthened us through the good weather in the morning and other small things that show His protection. Live with full awareness of His love and guidance. Ask for God's wisdom in every situation we face in life.