Success Belongs to God - Koheles 9:11

Full Summary

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 Solomon 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, Solomon 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. This understanding has profound implications, especially for men who often measure their self-worth by their success. During financial difficulties, people mistakenly believe their lack of success reflects personal failure, when in reality it reflects God's plan. The only valid self-assessment is whether one is working efficiently and responsibly to develop their abilities. Rabbi Zweig then draws a parallel to the laws of tzaraas (spiritual skin afflictions) for lashon hara (evil speech). Despite lashon hara being equivalent to idolatry, adultery, and murder combined, its punishment seems minimal - merely blotches that can be easily covered. The Talmud even states that house tzaraas never actually occurred due to the impossibility of the required configuration. Rabbi Zweig explains this apparent contradiction: tzaraas is miraculous, so why would configuration matter? The answer reveals God's educational approach. God doesn't punish lashon hara harshly because it's an organic, emotional problem inherent to human nature. Instead, He provides gentle reminders that allow for denial - paint can cover house blotches, clothing can hide skin marks, makeup can conceal facial blemishes. Only those genuinely wanting to change will go to the Kohen. God refuses to pressure people into behavioral change because He wants authentic internal transformation, not robotic compliance. Forced change doesn't address the underlying character issues. This same principle applies to worldly success. God could simply grant wealth and strength directly, but that would eliminate the opportunity for human development. The entire worldly system is designed to make us work hard and develop our capacities - our wisdom, understanding, strength, and righteousness. Success itself remains God's prerogative, but the development process belongs to us. Rabbi Zweig concludes that the proper focus should be on whether we're working efficiently and responsibly, not on measuring our bank accounts. Success is always a gift from God, never owned by us. While committing to use any success for God's purposes through prayer might improve our chances of receiving that gift, it doesn't guarantee it. The key is understanding that our worth is measured by our effort and development, not by our results. This perspective prevents depression during difficult times and maintains proper humility during prosperous periods.