May 2020
lay bare its deepest secrets,
change its fundamental structures, somehow burst through the bounds of human limitations,
build for themselves enduring monuments,
control their destiny,
achieve a state of secure and lasting happiness
change its fundamental structures, somehow burst through the bounds of human limitations,
build for themselves enduring monuments,
control their destiny,
achieve a state of secure and lasting happiness
Therefore wisdom counsels:
Accept the human state as it is shaped by God's appointments and enjoy the life you have been given as fully as you can.
Don't trouble yourself with unrealistic goals -- know the measure of human capabilities.
Be prudent in all your ways -- follow wisdom's leading.
"Fear God and keep his commandments" (12:13), beginning already in your youth before the fleeting days of life's enjoyments are gone and "the days of trouble" (12:1) come when the infirmities of advanced age vex you and hinder you from tasting, seeing and feeling the good things of life.
Accept the human state as it is shaped by God's appointments and enjoy the life you have been given as fully as you can.
Don't trouble yourself with unrealistic goals -- know the measure of human capabilities.
Be prudent in all your ways -- follow wisdom's leading.
"Fear God and keep his commandments" (12:13), beginning already in your youth before the fleeting days of life's enjoyments are gone and "the days of trouble" (12:1) come when the infirmities of advanced age vex you and hinder you from tasting, seeing and feeling the good things of life.
