The ostrich, a large flightless bird native to Africa, is mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of lack of wisdom and understanding. This depiction is primarily found in the book of Job, where God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, highlighting various aspects of creation to demonstrate His divine wisdom and power.

In Job 39:13-18 , the ostrich is described in a manner that emphasizes its apparent foolishness:

"The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but cannot match the pinions and feathers of the stork. For she leaves her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand. She forgets that a foot may crush them, or a wild animal may trample them. She treats her young harshly, as if they were not her own, with no concern that her labor was in vain. For God has deprived her of wisdom; He has not endowed her with understanding. Yet when she proudly spreads her wings, she laughs at the horse and its rider."

This passage highlights several key characteristics of the ostrich that are used to illustrate its lack of wisdom:

1. Neglect of Offspring: The ostrich is portrayed as neglectful of her eggs, leaving them vulnerable on the ground. This behavior is contrasted with other birds that carefully protect and nurture their young. The ostrich's apparent disregard for the safety of her offspring serves as a metaphor for foolishness and lack of foresight.

2. Absence of Maternal Instinct: The text notes that the ostrich treats her young harshly, as if they were not her own. This lack of maternal care is presented as a deficiency in understanding, further emphasizing the bird's lack of wisdom.

3. Divine Deprivation of Wisdom: The passage explicitly states that God has deprived the ostrich of wisdom and understanding. This divine attribution underscores the belief that wisdom is a gift from God, and its absence in the ostrich is part of the natural order established by the Creator.

4. Contrast with Other Creatures: The ostrich's inability to fly, despite its large wings, is contrasted with the stork, a bird known for its grace and ability to soar. This comparison serves to highlight the ostrich's limitations and the divine design in the diversity of creation.

5. Pride and Speed: Despite its lack of wisdom, the ostrich is noted for its speed and ability to outrun a horse and rider. This attribute suggests that even creatures lacking in wisdom possess unique qualities bestowed by God, reflecting His creativity and sovereignty.

In the broader context of the book of Job, the mention of the ostrich serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding compared to God's infinite wisdom. The passage encourages humility and trust in God's design, recognizing that His ways and purposes are beyond human comprehension. The ostrich, with its peculiar traits, becomes a symbol of the complexity and mystery of God's creation, where even perceived foolishness has its place in the divine order.