Job 11:12

A wild ass’s colt. This verse is difficult. Another possible translation is, “a vain man may get understanding, and a wild ass’s colt become a man.” That is, a man as untractable, untamed, and stubborn as a wild ass may still be transformed into a real man. Another interpretation is suggested by the translation, “But a stupid man will get understanding, when a wild ass’s colt is born a man” (RSV). According to this, there is no more hope of imparting wisdom to a vain man than of a wild ass giving birth to a human offspring. This interpretation does not appear, however, to provide the proper transition to the second division of the chapter. Zophar does not regard Job’s case as utterly hopeless.