◄ Ecclesiastes 1:15 ►
What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.
Study Bible
What is crooked
The Hebrew word for "crooked" is "עָוֵּת" (avveth), which conveys a sense of moral or ethical distortion. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it reflects the inherent imperfections and injustices in the world. Historically, this term has been used to describe not just physical crookedness but also moral corruption. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, is observing the fallen state of humanity and the world, acknowledging that there are aspects of life that are inherently flawed due to sin. This phrase invites reflection on the human condition and the limitations of human wisdom and effort in rectifying deep-seated issues.

cannot be straightened
The Hebrew verb "לִתְקֹן" (litkon) means "to make straight" or "to correct." This suggests an inability to rectify or amend what is fundamentally flawed. In a spiritual sense, it points to the limitations of human power and wisdom in addressing the moral and existential problems of life. Theologically, this can be seen as a reminder of the need for divine intervention and grace, as only God can truly "make straight" what is "crooked" in the world and in human hearts.

and what is lacking
The word "חֶסְרוֹן" (chesron) refers to deficiency or want. It highlights the incompleteness and insufficiency that characterize human existence. Historically, this term has been used to describe both material and spiritual deficiencies. In the broader context of Ecclesiastes, it underscores the futility of human endeavors to achieve completeness or fulfillment through worldly means alone. This phrase challenges readers to consider the deeper spiritual needs that cannot be satisfied by earthly pursuits.

cannot be counted
The Hebrew verb "לִמְנוֹת" (limnot) means "to count" or "to reckon." This suggests an inability to quantify or account for what is missing. In the context of the verse, it implies that the deficiencies in life are beyond human calculation or remedy. This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the need for reliance on God's wisdom. It encourages believers to trust in God's providence and to seek fulfillment in Him rather than in the transient and incomplete offerings of the world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the futility and vanity of human endeavors without God.

2. Jerusalem
The city where Solomon reigned as king. It serves as the backdrop for much of his wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes.

3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)
The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the meaning of life and the limitations of human wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Limitations of Human Effort
Human efforts are insufficient to correct the fundamental brokenness of the world. This should lead us to rely on God rather than our own understanding or abilities.

The Reality of a Fallen World
Recognize that the world is inherently flawed due to sin. This understanding should drive us to seek redemption and restoration through Christ.

The Importance of Divine Perspective
Acknowledge that only God can bring true order and fulfillment. Our role is to align our lives with His will and purposes.

Contentment in God's Sovereignty
Accept that some things are beyond our control and find peace in God's sovereignty, trusting that He is working all things for good.

The Call to Wisdom
Pursue wisdom that begins with the fear of the Lord, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God and leads to a life that honors Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "what is crooked cannot be straightened" challenge our understanding of human ability and achievement?

2. In what ways does the fall of man in Genesis 3 relate to the themes of futility and brokenness in Ecclesiastes 1:15?

3. How can Romans 8:20-22 provide hope in the midst of recognizing the world's brokenness as described in Ecclesiastes?

4. What practical steps can we take to trust in God's sovereignty when faced with situations that seem "crooked" or beyond our control?

5. How does the wisdom literature of Proverbs complement the message of Ecclesiastes, particularly in finding meaning and purpose in life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3
The fall of man introduces the concept of a world that is "crooked" due to sin, which aligns with the idea that what is crooked cannot be straightened by human effort alone.

Romans 8:20-22
Paul speaks of creation being subjected to futility, echoing the themes of Ecclesiastes about the brokenness of the world.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding, offering a solution to the futility described in Ecclesiastes.
Sermons
Making the Crooked StraightJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Ecclesiastes 1:15
The Crooked Things StraightenedR. Newton, D. D.Ecclesiastes 1:15
Speculative Study of the WorldJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
The Vanity of Human WisdomD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
People
David, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Able, Bent, Can't, Counted, Crooked, Lacking, Numbered, Straight, Straightened, Wanting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 1:13-16

     5776   achievement

Ecclesiastes 1:13-17

     5853   experience, of life

Library
Two views of Life
'This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man, to be exercised therewith.--ECCLES. i. 13. 'He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.'--HEBREWS xii. 10. These two texts set before us human life as it looks to two observers. The former admits that God shapes it; but to him it seems sore travail, the expenditure of much trouble and efforts; the results of which seem to be nothing beyond profitless exercise. There is an immense activity and nothing to show for it at the end …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Past and the Future
'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall he; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.'--ECCLES. i. 9. 'That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles.'--l PETER iv. 2, 3. If you will look at these two passages carefully you will, I think, see that they imply two different, and in some respects …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eusebius' Birth and Training. His Life in Cæsarea Until the Outbreak of the Persecution.
Our author was commonly known among the ancients as Eusebius of Cæsarea or Eusebius Pamphili. The former designation arose from the fact that he was bishop of the church in Cæsarea for many years; the latter from the fact that he was the intimate friend and devoted admirer of Pamphilus, a presbyter of Cæsarea and a martyr. Some such specific appellation was necessary to distinguish him from others of the same name. Smith and Wace's Dictionary of Christian Biography mentions 137 …
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

Introduction to vita S. Antoni.
(Written between 356 and 362) The Life of St. Antony is included in the present collection partly on account of the important influence it has exercised upon the development of the ascetic life in the Church, partly and more especially on the ground of its strong claim to rank as a work of Athanasius. If that claim were undisputed, no apology would be needed for its presence in this volume. If on the other hand its spurious and unhistorical character had been finally demonstrated, its insertion would …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Literature.
In making the following thread to the rich literature on Constantine the plan has been to confine almost wholly to Monographs, since to refer to all histories, encyclopædias, and the like which treat of him would be endless. Only such few analyzed references are introduced as have special reasons. Even with this limit it cannot be at all hoped that the list is exhaustive. Considerable pains has been taken, however, to make it full, as there is no really extended modern list of works on Constantine, …
Eusebius Pamphilius—The Life of Constantine

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
It is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18; and the knowledge of him being life eternal, John xvii. 3, and our measure of knowledge of him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part, it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desirable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. Knowledge must be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christian …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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