doctrine of retribution by some of the wisdom teachers of his day. (Cf. Job 4:7–9; 8:20; 34:11–12; 36:6–7 for examples of overly rigid applications of this doctrine.) Solomon argued that prosperity (cf. Ecc. 7:11–12) was no sure indication of God’s pleasure, nor was adversity (cf. vv. 2–4) a sure sign of His anger. Solomon had seen the wicked prospering and the righteous perishing (v. 15). So a person should not depend on his righteousness as the means of guaranteeing reward (v. 16). Moreover, absolute