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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 11:12 But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/11-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/18_Job_11_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 11:12 - Zophar Rebukes Job" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!" /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/11-11.htm" title="Job 11:11">◄</a> Job 11:12 <a href="/job/11-13.htm" title="Job 11:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But the witless can no more become wise than a wild donkey&#8217s colt can be born human.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For vain man would be wise, though man be born <i>like</i> a wild ass's colt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“An idiot will become intelligent When a wild donkey is born a human.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220An idiot will become intelligent When the foal of a wild donkey is born a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And an idiot will become intelligent When the foal of a wild donkey is born a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yet an empty <i>headed</i> man will obtain a heart <i>of wisdom</i>, And the foal of a wild donkey is born a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“But a hollow (empty-headed) man will become intelligent <i>and</i> wise [Only] when the colt of a wild donkey is born as a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But a stupid person will gain understanding as soon as a wild donkey is born a human!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But a stupid man will gain understanding as soon as a wild donkey is born a man! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But vain man is void of understanding, Yea, man is born as a wild ass's colt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />but it's easier to tame a wild donkey than to make a fool wise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But vain man is void of understanding, yea, man is born as a wild ass's colt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But an empty-headed person will gain understanding when a wild donkey is born tame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Stupid people will start being wise when wild donkeys are born tame. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />An empty-headed person will gain understanding when a wild donkey is born a human being!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey's colt is born a human being. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For vain man would be wise, though man is born like a wild ass's colt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And empty man is bold, "" And man is born [as] the colt of a wild donkey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And empty man is bold, And the colt of a wild ass man is born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And man being empty will be without heart: and man will be born a wild ass's colt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A vain man is lifted up into pride, and thinketh himself born free like a wild ass's colt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A vain man is lifted up in arrogance, and he thinks that he is born free like a wild ass’s colt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />An empty head will gain understanding, when a colt of a wild jackass is born human. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But a stupid person will get understanding, when a wild ass is born human.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For a pure man inspires courage, and a mighty man helps others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And a man who is pure is encouraged, and he who is mighty helps a man<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But an empty man will get understanding, When a wild ass's colt is born a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But man vainly buoys himself up with words; and a mortal born of woman <i>is</i> like an ass in the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/11-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1707" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/11.htm">Zophar Rebukes Job</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note? <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5014.htm" title="5014: nā·ḇūḇ (Adj-ms) -- To hollow out. A primitive root; to pierce; to be hollow, or foolish.">But a witless</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3823.htm" title="3823: yil·lā·ḇêḇ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be enclosed; by implication to unheart, i.e. transport, or stultify; also to make cakes.">can no more become wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/5895.htm" title="5895: wə·‘a·yir (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A male donkey. From uwr in the sense of raising; properly, a young ass; hence an ass-colt.">than the colt</a> <a href="/hebrew/6501.htm" title="6501: pe·re (N-ms) -- A wild donkey. Or pereh; from para' in the secondary sense of running wild; the onager.">of a wild donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: yiw·wā·lêḏ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">can be born</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">a man!</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a></span><br />Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-2.htm">Proverbs 30:2-3</a></span><br />Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. / I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:3</a></span><br />Even as the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he shows everyone that he is a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-22.htm">Psalm 73:22</a></span><br />I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11</a></span><br />The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a></span><br />“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Proverbs 28:26</a></span><br />He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a></span><br />Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-19</a></span><br />Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-22.htm">Romans 1:22</a></span><br />Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">1 Corinthians 8:2</a></span><br />The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm">2 Corinthians 11:19</a></span><br />For you gladly put up with fools, since you are so wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3</a></span><br />If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For vain men would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.</p><p class="hdg">For vain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Psalm 62:9,10</a></b></br> Surely men of low degree <i>are</i> vanity, <i>and</i> men of high degree <i>are</i> a lie: to be laid in the balance, they <i>are</i> altogether <i>lighter</i> than vanity… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/73-22.htm">Psalm 73:22</a></b></br> So foolish <i>was</i> I, and ignorant: I was <i>as</i> a beast before thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/92-6.htm">Psalm 92:6</a></b></br> A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.</p><p class="hdg">would</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-13.htm">Job 5:13</a></b></br> He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/12-2.htm">Job 12:2,3</a></b></br> No doubt but ye <i>are</i> the people, and wisdom shall die with you… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></b></br> And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that <i>is</i> wisdom; and to depart from evil <i>is</i> understanding.</p><p class="hdg">man be</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-14.htm">Job 15:14</a></b></br> What <i>is</i> man, that he should be clean? and <i>he which is</i> born of a woman, that he should be righteous?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-5.htm">Psalm 51:5</a></b></br> Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Ephesians 2:3</a></b></br> Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.</p><p class="hdg">a wild</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/6-5.htm">Job 6:5</a></b></br> Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/39-5.htm">Job 39:5-8</a></b></br> Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/2-24.htm">Jeremiah 2:24</a></b></br> A wild ass used to the wilderness, <i>that</i> snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/6-5.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-25.htm">Ass's</a> <a href="/job/8-9.htm">Born</a> <a href="/genesis/49-11.htm">Colt</a> <a href="/job/6-5.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-25.htm">Donkey's</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-20.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/job/5-23.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/49-11.htm">Foal</a> <a href="/job/7-5.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Stupid</a> <a href="/job/11-4.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/job/11-6.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/job/11-11.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/job/5-12.htm">Void</a> <a href="/job/6-5.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/job/11-6.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/job/9-4.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/job/4-11.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/24-3.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/mark/11-2.htm">Ass's</a> <a href="/job/14-1.htm">Born</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Colt</a> <a href="/job/24-3.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-19.htm">Donkey's</a> <a href="/job/15-2.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/job/24-6.htm">Field</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Foal</a> <a href="/job/17-9.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/job/18-2.htm">Intelligent</a> <a href="/job/30-8.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/job/18-3.htm">Stupid</a> <a href="/job/12-7.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/job/12-3.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/job/15-2.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/job/15-4.htm">Void</a> <a href="/job/24-5.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/job/12-2.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/job/12-16.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/job/14-9.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Job 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/11-1.htm">Zophar reproves Job for justifying himself</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/11-5.htm">God's wisdom is unsearchable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/11-13.htm">The assured blessing of repentance</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But a witless man</b><br>This 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 (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>).<p><b>can no more become wise</b><br>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 (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>). The idea is that human effort alone cannot achieve spiritual enlightenment or understanding, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God.<p><b>than the colt of a wild donkey</b><br>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 (<a href="/jeremiah/2-24.htm">Jeremiah 2:24</a>).<p><b>can be born a man!</b><br>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 (<a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3-7</a>), where spiritual rebirth is necessary for entering the kingdom of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/z/zophar_the_naamathite.htm">Zophar the Naamathite</a></b><br>One 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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dialogue.htm">The Dialogue</a></b><br>This verse is part of Zophar's first speech to Job, where he criticizes Job's claims of innocence and suggests that Job lacks understanding.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wild_donkey.htm">The Wild Donkey</a></b><br>A metaphor used in ancient Near Eastern literature to describe untamed and foolish behavior, symbolizing a lack of wisdom and understanding.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_setting.htm">The Setting</a></b><br>The land of Uz, where Job resides, is the backdrop for this profound exploration of human suffering and divine sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_human_wisdom.htm">The Nature of Human Wisdom</a></b><br>Human wisdom is limited and often flawed. Zophar's metaphor underscores the futility of human efforts to attain true wisdom without divine intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_humility.htm">The Need for Humility</a></b><br>Recognize our limitations and approach God with humility, acknowledging that true wisdom comes from Him alone.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_repentance.htm">The Role of Repentance</a></b><br>Zophar's speech, though harsh, points to the importance of repentance and seeking God's wisdom in times of trial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>Discern the difference between human advice and divine truth. Not all counsel, even from well-meaning friends, aligns with God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_godly_wisdom.htm">The Pursuit of Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>Actively seek wisdom through prayer, scripture, and a relationship with God, understanding that it is a lifelong journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_crucifixion_in_journey.htm">What events mark the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job_11_12_align_with_genesis.htm">Job 11:12 likens humans to wild donkeys; how does this align with Genesis' teaching that humans reflect God's image?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_matthew_21_4-5_a_true_prophecy.htm">How can Matthew 21:4-5 be considered a valid fulfillment of prophecy if the details differ from other Gospel accounts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_palm_sunday's_significance.htm">What is the significance of Palm Sunday?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">For vain man would be wise,</span> &c., is extremely difficult, because it is hard to distinguish subject and predicate. Literally, it runs, <span class= "ital">And hollow man is instructed, and the wild ass's colt is born a man. </span>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 <a href="/job/11-11.htm" title="For he knows vain men: he sees wickedness also; will he not then consider it?">Job 11:11</a>, 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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> <span class="cmt_word">- For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt</span>; rather, <span class="accented">and a vain man may get understanding</span>, <span class="accented">and the colt of a wild ass become a than</span> (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, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> acquire sense and discretion. If this is the meaning, undoubtedly Job is glanced at (so Schultens, Dillmann, and Canon Cook). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/11-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But a witless</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֭בוּב</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḇūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5014.htm">Strong's 5014: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pierce, to be hollow, foolish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can no more become wise</span><br /><span class="heb">יִלָּבֵ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(yil·lā·ḇêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3823.htm">Strong's 3823: </a> </span><span class="str2">Transport, stultify, to make cakes</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than the colt</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַ֥יִר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘a·yir)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5895.htm">Strong's 5895: </a> </span><span class="str2">A young ass, an ass-colt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a wild donkey</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֝֗רֶא</span> <span class="translit">(pe·re)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6501.htm">Strong's 6501: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wild donkey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can be born</span><br /><span class="heb">יִוָּלֵֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiw·wā·lêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man!</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/11-12.htm">Job 11:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/11-12.htm">OT Poetry: Job 11:12 An empty-headed man becomes wise when (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/11-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 11:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 11:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/11-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 11:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 11:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>