Ecclesiastes 7:12-14

The Voice

¹²    For together wisdom and money are alike in this:
        both offer protection from life’s misfortunes,
    But the real advantage of knowledge is this:
        wisdom alone preserves the lives of those who have it.
¹³    Think for a moment about the work of God.
        Can anyone make straight what God has made crooked?

Often wisdom invites us to ponder great questions. The question, “Can anyone make straight what God has made crooked?” echoes the words of 1:15—“Something crooked cannot be made straight.” Only God can determine what is and what is not. God makes our paths crooked or straight. And we often do not understand why one person’s way is straight and another’s is crooked. The message of the teacher is simple: reverence God regardless of the path you have been given to walk.

¹⁴Teacher: When times are good,
        enjoy them and be happy.
    When times are bad,
        think about this:
    God makes both good and bad times,
        so that no one really knows what is coming next.