KJV ORIGINAL
For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
For foolish people want to be wise, even though humans are born as wild and stubborn as a young donkey.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse is saying that people naturally think they're smarter than they are, even though we're all born with a wild, untamed nature that needs guidance.
📚 Historical Context
This is spoken by Zophar, one of Job's three friends who came to comfort him during his terrible suffering. Zophar is essentially telling Job that his problems come from his own foolishness and that he needs to humble himself before God. The comparison to a wild donkey's colt was a common ancient Middle Eastern way of describing someone who is stubborn and unteachable.
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