Verse 11
It is possible to earn a fortune unjustly, like a partridge (or grouse, Heb. qore’) that incubates the eggs of another bird. [Note: Another translation has the partridge brooding over eggs that will not hatch. They become the object of some tragedy that strikes the eggs, such as a predator. See Drinkard, pp. 228-29.] But such a fortune is fleeting (cf. Proverbs 23:4-5), and such a person is really a fool. The adopted baby bird will fly away when it eventually learns that it is different from its foster parent. Similarly, ill-gotten wealth normally leaves the one who does not earn it, and the person who tries to claim that he did earn it, ends up looking like a fool (cf. Luke 12:20-21).
Dwelling on the sinfulness of people and the deceitfulness of the heart needs balancing with even greater attention to the glory of God Himself. Jeremiah changed his perspective and so avoided more discouragement.
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