Ecclesiastes 7:13

KJV

Consider the work of God: for who can make [that] straight, which he hath made crooked?

KJV (with Strong's)

Consider {H7200} the work {H4639} of God {H430}: for who can {H3201} make that straight {H8626}, which he hath made crooked {H5791}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?

Berean Standard Bible

Consider the work of God: Who can straighten what He has bent?

American Standard Version

Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:13 serves as a profound call to contemplate the unalterable sovereignty of God over all circumstances of life. The Preacher, Qoheleth, invites humanity to observe the divine orchestration of events, immediately posing a rhetorical question that underscores the absolute futility of human attempts to rectify or alter what God has purposefully established, whether it appears "straight" or "crooked" from a limited human perspective. This verse firmly establishes God's ultimate control and the inherent limitations of human power and understanding in the face of His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 7 is a chapter rich in wisdom sayings and contrasts, often juxtaposing wisdom with folly, and good times with bad. This particular verse, [Ecclesiastes 7:13](/ecclesiastes/7-13 "Ecclesiastes 7:13 - Consider the Work of God"), appears after Qoheleth has discussed the value of sorrow over laughter, the benefits of patience, and the wisdom of considering the end of things. It directly precedes [Ecclesiastes 7:14](/ecclesiastes/7-14 "Ecclesiastes 7:14 - God's Arrangement of Good and Evil Days"), which speaks of God making both prosperous and adverse days, so that humanity cannot discover anything after Him. Thus, [Ecclesiastes 7:13](/ecclesiastes/7-13 "Ecclesiastes 7:13 - Consider the Work of God") acts as a foundational statement for understanding the divine origin of life's varied experiences, setting the stage for a posture of acceptance and humility before God's inscrutable plan. It reinforces the broader theme throughout [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "The Book of Ecclesiastes") that human effort and wisdom, while valuable, are ultimately limited in their ability to comprehend or control the grand design of the universe, which rests solely in God's hands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature of ancient Israel, sharing commonalities with other Near Eastern wisdom traditions that explored the meaning of life, suffering, and the nature of divine order. While the exact historical setting of Qoheleth is debated, the text reflects a period of deep philosophical inquiry into the human condition "under the sun"—a recurring phrase denoting life from a purely earthly, human-centric perspective, often without explicit reference to the afterlife. In this context, the emphasis on God's "work" (Hebrew: *maʻăseh*) and His absolute control over what is "straight" or "crooked" resonates with the ancient understanding of a sovereign deity who meticulously orders the cosmos and human affairs. Unlike pagan deities who might be capricious, the God of Israel is portrayed as having a deliberate, though often mysterious, plan that humans cannot thwart or amend. This perspective would have been both comforting in its assurance of divine order and challenging in its demand for humility and submission to an incomprehensible will.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "The Book of Ecclesiastes") and biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute and unquestionable control over all things. What He wills or ordains, whether it appears "straight" or "crooked" from a human perspective, is fixed and unchangeable. This theme is echoed elsewhere, such as in [Ecclesiastes 3:14](/ecclesiastes/3-14 "Ecclesiastes 3:14 - God's Enduring Work"), which states that "whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it." Secondly, it highlights **Human Limitations**, particularly the futility of human attempts to alter God's established order or to perfect what He has purposed. The rhetorical question "who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?" underscores humanity's inherent inability to fully comprehend or control life's complexities, a recurring lament of Qoheleth. Finally, implicitly, the verse calls for a posture of **Acceptance and Trust** in God's plan, even when it seems challenging, confusing, or contrary to human desires. It encourages humility and reliance on God's ultimate wisdom, even when His ways are inscrutable, leading to a peace that transcends understanding, as suggested by the broader wisdom tradition found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consider (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This primitive root means "to see," but extends to "perceive," "discern," "behold," and "take heed." In this context, it is an imperative to thoughtfully observe, reflect upon, and understand God's actions and their implications. It's not a casual glance but a deep, contemplative engagement with the reality of divine activity.
* **Work (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** Derived from the root *ʻâsâh* (to do, make), *maʻăseh* refers to an action, deed, or transaction, and by implication, a product or result. Here, it signifies God's active involvement in creation and providence—His ongoing deeds and the outcomes He brings about in the world and in human lives. It encompasses both the grand design and the specific events orchestrated by God.
* **Crooked (Hebrew, _ʻâvath'_):** This primitive root means "to wrest," "bend," "twist," "pervert," or "turn upside down." In Ecclesiastes 7:13, it describes circumstances or aspects of life that God has intentionally made difficult, perplexing, or seemingly out of alignment with human expectations of perfection or ease. It implies a deliberate divine act of shaping things in a way that humans perceive as irregular or challenging.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Consider the work of God:"** This opening imperative serves as a direct command to humanity. It urges a careful, reflective observation of God's active involvement in the world and in individual lives. "The work of God" encompasses all of His creation, His providential ordering of events, and His sovereign decrees, both seen and unseen, understood and mysterious. It calls for a theological perspective on reality, acknowledging that nothing happens outside of His ultimate purview.
* **"for who can make [that] straight,"** This introduces a rhetorical question, emphasizing the absolute inability of humanity to alter or improve upon God's established order. The term "straight" (Hebrew: *tâqan*) implies making something right, upright, level, or in proper order. The question suggests that if God has set something in a particular way, no human power, wisdom, or effort can reorder it to their own liking or perception of "straightness." It highlights the vast chasm between divine omnipotence and human limitation.
* **"which he hath made crooked?"** This final clause completes the rhetorical question, defining the object of human inability. "Crooked" (Hebrew: *ʻâvath*) refers to that which God has intentionally bent, twisted, or made difficult. It speaks to the perplexing, challenging, or seemingly imperfect aspects of life that are nonetheless part of God's deliberate design. The implication is that even what appears to us as an imperfection or a deviation from an ideal state is, in fact, a purposeful act of God, unchangeable by human intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:13 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question** ("for who can make [that] straight, which he hath made crooked?"). This question is not meant to be answered literally but to emphatically assert the impossibility of human intervention in God's sovereign decrees, thereby highlighting God's absolute power and human impotence. This is further amplified by **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, specifically between "straight" and "crooked." These opposing terms represent the dual nature of life's circumstances—those that align with human desires and those that challenge them—both of which are ultimately orchestrated by God. The "work of God" can also be seen as a **Metaphor** for the totality of divine providence and the intricate, often inscrutable, tapestry of events that God weaves in the world. The imagery of making something "straight" or "crooked" is a vivid **Metaphor** for ordering or disordering circumstances, emphasizing that God is the ultimate shaper of reality, and His designs cannot be undone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:13 stands as a cornerstone for understanding divine sovereignty and human humility within the biblical narrative. It posits that God's "work" encompasses not only the beautiful and orderly but also the difficult and seemingly "crooked" aspects of existence, all of which are beyond human alteration. This truth cultivates a profound sense of dependence on God, encouraging believers to trust in His ultimate wisdom and goodness even when His ways are inscrutable. It challenges the human tendency to control or perfect life according to our own limited understanding, redirecting our focus to God's unassailable authority. This perspective is vital for cultivating contentment and peace, knowing that the Lord is actively at work in all things, even those we perceive as adverse.

* [Job 42:2](/job/42-2 "Job 42:2 - God's Unstoppable Purpose")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Light and Darkness, Good and Evil")
* [Romans 9:20-21](/romans/9-20 "Romans 9:20-21 - The Potter and the Clay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 7:13 offers profound spiritual insights for navigating the complexities of life. It calls us to a posture of radical humility and trust in God's sovereign plan. Instead of striving against circumstances that appear "crooked" or attempting to "fix" what God has ordained, we are invited to find peace in His ultimate control. This verse encourages us to release our need for complete understanding or control, recognizing that God's wisdom far surpasses our own. It reminds us that even difficulties, setbacks, and perceived imperfections in life's journey are part of God's intricate "work," designed for purposes beyond our immediate grasp. Embracing this truth can alleviate anxiety, foster contentment, and deepen our faith, enabling us to surrender to God's will with confidence, knowing that His ways are perfect, even when they seem otherwise to our limited human perspective. Our role is not to "fix" God's design, but to trust in His wisdom and goodness, allowing Him to shape us through all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently trying to "straighten" something that God may have "crooked" for a purpose?**
* **How does acknowledging God's unalterable sovereignty impact your sense of control, anxiety, and peace?**
* **What specific "works of God" (circumstances, events, or character traits) have you observed that demonstrate His mysterious yet perfect design?**

### FAQ
**Does Ecclesiastes 7:13 imply that God is responsible for evil or suffering?**

Answer: Ecclesiastes 7:13 states that God makes things "crooked," which refers to difficult, perplexing, or seemingly imperfect circumstances from a human perspective. This verse, along with others like [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Light and Darkness, Good and Evil"), affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, including what we perceive as adversity or challenge. It does not attribute moral evil (sin) to God, but rather asserts His control over all events, including those that bring discomfort or hardship. The "crookedness" in this context is part of His providential ordering, which might serve to humble us, teach us, or reveal His greater purposes, as seen in passages like [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good"). It emphasizes that nothing is outside of His divine plan, even if we do not fully comprehend its purpose.

**If God makes things "crooked," does that mean we shouldn't try to improve our circumstances or fight against injustice?**

Answer: Not at all. This verse is not an endorsement of passive fatalism or an excuse for inaction in the face of injustice. Instead, it is a call to acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty and our human limitations in altering His fundamental decrees. We are still called to exercise wisdom, pursue righteousness, work diligently, and strive for good in the world, as taught throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs") and other wisdom literature. The point of [Ecclesiastes 7:13](/ecclesiastes/7-13 "Ecclesiastes 7:13 - Consider the Work of God") is that there are certain aspects of life, certain overarching circumstances or inherent human limitations, that are divinely ordained and cannot be changed by human effort. It encourages us to discern what is within our sphere of influence and what is ultimately in God's hands, fostering humility and trust rather than despair. We are to work *within* God's sovereign plan, not against it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:13, with its declaration of God's unalterable sovereignty, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Qoheleth grapples with the inscrutable "crookedness" of life under the sun, Christ reveals the divine purpose behind it and offers the ultimate "straightening." The "work of God" that none can alter is perfectly embodied in God's redemptive plan through His Son. What seemed "crooked" by humanity's sin—the brokenness of creation, the curse, and the separation from God—was not "straightened" by human effort, but by God Himself through the cross. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, even unto death, demonstrating that God's plan, though it involved suffering and apparent defeat, was ultimately for our salvation ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). In Christ, we see that God's "crookedness" is not arbitrary but purposeful, leading to a greater good and a new creation. Through His resurrection, Christ conquered death and sin, making a way for reconciliation and eternal life, thereby "straightening" the path to God that humanity had twisted ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Ultimately, He is the one who will make all things new and perfectly straight in the consummation of His kingdom ([Revelation 21:5](/rev_21/5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")), revealing the perfect wisdom and goodness behind all of God's "work."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 1:15

[That which is] crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

Job 12:14

Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.

Isaiah 5:12

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

¶ He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Psalms 107:43

Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Isaiah 14:27

For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Ephesians 1:11

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: