The answer is: Ostrich

Job 39:13-15

In the book of Job, there’s a fascinating moment where the scripture offers insights into the life of the ostrich. This bird, known for its impressive speed and large size, nests on the ground, making it vulnerable. In Job 39:13-15, the stark way the ostrich is depicted, lacking wisdom for leaving eggs unprotected, pulls readers into a whirlwind of history and biology.

Interestingly, the ostrich might seem foolish for this instinct, but it has its own strategy! Rather than building lofty nests, they rely on camouflage, a clever way to blend in with their surroundings. Some people think of them as the original “nighthawks,” since they often breed at night, making their behavior intriguing. This paradox highlights how survival techniques vary tremendously among species.

The ostrich also symbolizes much more in biblical texts, often representing incompleteness or folly—especially when its actions contrast with the wisdom expected of God’s creations. Ironically, even wisdom literature occasionally depersonalizes animal behavior to discern spiritual inertia in humans, pointedly making one wonder about intellectual laziness versus foolhardy courage.

Did you know?, the verb “to be foolish” reflects the ancient Hebrew link with both folly and flatness? The small decisions and protections displayed in nature can mirror our spiritual lives, inviting deeper reflections about wisdom, circles of life, and our misplaced perceptions of intelligence. A call to cherish how we each nurture our aspirations, just like an ostrich might tend to its quirky legacy!