In Ecclesiastes 1:15 the Preacher states, “What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.” At first glance one might be puzzled. Much of the New Testament is centered on our need for repentance, a change of heart leading to a change of actions.
Does this statement from the Preacher contradict the New Testament? No it does not, in fact it further confirms man’s need to repent. The Preacher searched all throughout the regions under the heaven to gain knowledge and he discovered everything under the sun is vanity. What is clear from this statement is the heavens were not included in his search. Man has continually tried to glorify the wicked while vilifying the righteous. But regardless of effort and time, what is crooked cannot be made straight.
The Preacher does not claim man cannot change. Men change, culture changes, science changes, even wisdom changes; but God does not. In an almost identical statement in Ecclesiastes 7:13 it says, “Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?” God is our ultimate standard. His Word is unchanging (Hebrews 6:17) and is truth (John 17:17). And possibly the greatest thing about the gospel is that it facilitates a change in people. Because of that change and continued obedience to God’s word we can have a hope for eternal life. (Acts 2:38)