A vain man is lifted up into pride, and thinketh himself born free like a wild ass's colt.
וְאִ֣ישׁ נָ֭בוּב יִלָּבֵ֑ב וְעַ֥יִר פֶּ֝֗רֶא אָדָ֥ם יִוָּלֵֽד׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
He remarked appropriately: akin to a wild donkey that incessantly brays. Our speech, he continues, mirrors that senseless cry which erupts without purpose or thought; we criticize everything at every turn, assigning blame indiscriminately. They again urge him to safeguard his life, but he responds that such advice is fruitless. Thus, he declares, “Even if I am righteous, I will not lift up my head.” Job asks, what good is my righteousness if I am deemed impure in His sight?
For the pride of humanity is lifted in emptiness, as noted in Job 11:12. This pride leads to ruin, diminishing the heart through sin, causing it to act with boldness in transgression, and through the neglect of its wrongdoings, the soul, devoid of remorse, ultimately forfeits its purity. Blinded by divine justice, it sheds the remnants of humility and often, in its devotion to fulfilling unlawful desires, it forsakes the yoke of reverence for the Lord. Liberated from the constraints of righteous fear, it then seeks to enact all that vanity inspires. Therefore, when it is stated that human vanity causes self-exaltation, it is also said, “And thinking broadly, is born like a wild ass” (Job 11:12). The term "wild ass" symbolizes all manner of untamed creatures.
These animals, free to follow their natural instincts, remain unbridled and can roam wherever they choose, resting when weary. Even though humans possess a significantly higher nature than irrational beasts, there are often activities allowed to animals that are denied to mankind. Those creatures that are not intended for any specific purpose are never constrained by the rigors of discipline, whereas a human, revived after death, is compelled to conduct every action under strict discipline, much like a domesticated animal constrained by reins, walking within the limits of eternal purpose.
One who seeks to act in complete freedom, giving in to every desire, essentially aims to mimic the behavior of a wild donkey’s young, refusing the reins of discipline and charging boldly through the wilderness of appetites. Yet, Divine mercy frequently intervenes amidst the chaos of unrestrained liberty, bringing sudden hardship upon those indulging in sin, so that through the harshness of discipline, they might recognize the sinfulness of their elevation and, being humbled by the rod, learn to submit their minds to the commandments, walking the path of this life under the sovereign's guidance. The one who said, "I am as cattle before you, and I am always with you" (Psalms 72:22), was well aware of such reins. Likewise, the one who once persecuted others, having crossed from a life of faithlessness into belief, experienced the awakening of his spirit to the gentle prodding of a higher authority, recognizing the truth in the words, "It is hard for you to kick against the goad" (Acts 9:5).
Thus, if we desire not to remain like the young of a wild donkey in our every wish, we must first consider the mark of our true purpose, ensuring that our thoughts align with the will of the Most High. In doing so, we can effectively direct our desires towards the attainment of life, often unconsciously trampling the ambitions we once held dear. Job shows strength in his words, yet he fails to recognize that he speaks to one who surpasses him; thus, he continues with his words of reproach.
Sophar, the third companion of Job, dismisses Job's earlier discussions as mere chatter that fails to establish his innocence (11:1-3). He even posits that if God had disclosed the hidden reasons for Job's afflictions, it would likely reveal that Job deserved far harsher consequences for his transgressions (4-6). While humanity may not grasp all of God's plans, it is undeniable that the Lord brings calamities upon people due to their wrongdoing (7-11). Therefore, the most effective way to obtain tranquility and restore a joyful existence is to amend one’s actions; in doing so, the root of suffering will organically dissipate, allowing goodness to flourish (12-20).
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS