Two Witnesses to Crookedness: Despair and Hope

Ecclesiastes 1:15 and Isaiah 40:4 present two men gazing upon human affairs, both perceiving the same reality: the world abounds in crookedness. Human nature is marred, life is gnarled and twisted—a realm of broken columns, snapped friendships, and strained relationships. Grand plans meet poor execution. Yet these observers reach opposite conclusions. One pronounces things crooked in despondency; the other speaks in hope. One heart shrinks in despair while the other expands in great assurance.

These two types exist in every age, rubbing shoulders in common life. We encounter them everywhere: prophets of melancholy and bearers of glad tidings. Some behold the crooked and see no prospect of rectification. Others see the crooked and behold its ultimate correction.

Why such contradictory judgments? We often blame our natural temperaments, saying, "I am naturally despondent." Yet temperament need not determine destiny. A man may regulate his powers by observing the law of balance, restraining excess by cultivating opposing faculties. We shape character through the balance and antagonisms of our innate qualities.

But here lies the deeper truth: both men did not truly see alike. To perceive anything clearly in all its vivid relationships requires strong belief. The Word of God proclaims that believing precedes seeing. Abraham rejoiced to see Yahweh's day through faith's lens. Without firm belief, sight remains clouded. Those desiring clear vision of life's far-reaching relationships must approach with confident faith.