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Why don't the wise always have bread or the strong always win wars, as Koheles 9:11 observes? Success belongs entirely to God, not to human ability or effort. Our job is developing our capacities to the maximum while recognizing that whether those efforts translate to actual success remains God's decision alone.
Rabbi Zweig begins this shiur by examining Koheles chapter 9, verse 11, which states that the swift don't always win races, the strong don't always win wars, and the wise don't always have bread. Rashi (רש"י) illustrates this with examples: Avner the mighty warrior was defeated by Yoav, King Shlomo went from great wealth to poverty, Iyov lost his riches, and even Moshe Rabbeinu's prayers to enter the Land of Israel were not answered. The key insight is that none of these individuals lost their abilities - Avner remained a skilled warrior, Shlomo retained his wisdom, and Moshe remained righteous. Their lack of success was not due to diminished capacity but rather God's will. Rabbi Zweig explains that most people attribute success to their own efforts and abilities, leading to depression and feelings of worthlessness when they face failure. However, Koheles teaches that success is never in human hands - it belongs entirely to God. A person must certainly develop their abilities to the maximum, becoming the best professional they can be, as the Talmud (תלמוד) obligates. But whether that effort translates to success is purely God's decision.
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Koheles 9:11
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