Observation: Job has accused God of dealing unfairly with him. God issues a poetic rebuttal that lasts several chapters, saying Job has no standing to challenge God's judgment. In this passage, God mentions the ostrich, who leaves its young to be stepped on, "because God has made it forget wisdom, and given it no share in understanding." (That line is so good.) God's point is, "You couldn't create even my dumbest creature. You have no right to tell me how to run the universe."
Application: Job is really not a good book if you need comfort and support. Ironically, if you're actually in Job's position, if you're grieving, and you've lost everything, this often sarcastic book may not be for you right now. There are lots of other parts of the Bible I'd recommend, but not Job.
Job, I think, is for us at our most comfortable, at the height of our power and influence, at the height of our hubris. When we are feeling pretty good about our ability to run our lives--maybe even the lives of others--that is a good time to consider the ostrich. When we're full of helpful suggestions for God, let's remember this: on our best day, we could not create even God's dumbest creature. So let's maybe calm down and let God be God.
Prayer: God, you are smarter than me. There, I said it. Guide me in your way, not my own. Amen.
