Albert Barnes Commentary Job 39:17

"Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, Neither hath he imparted to her understanding." — Job 39:17 (ASV)

Because God has deprived her of wisdom... - That is, he has not imparted to her the wisdom which has been conferred on other animals. The meaning is, that all this remarkable arrangement, which distinguished the ostrich so much from other animals, is to be traced to God. It was not the result of chance; it could not be pretended that it was by a human arrangement, but it was the result of divine appointment. Even in this apparent destitution of wisdom, there were reasons which had led to this appointment, and the care and good providence of God could be seen in the preservation of the animal.

Particularly, though apparently so weak, timid, and unwise, the ostrich had a noble hearing (Job 39:18), and when aroused, would scorn the fleetest horse in the pursuit, and show that she was distinguished for properties that were expressive of the goodness of God toward her, and of his care over her.