9:11–12 Another aspect of our mortality is that we are governed by time and circumstances. Ecclesiastes does not deny the sovereignty of God over human affairs. The Teacher asserts that no matter how capable we are, many things are beyond our control. Above all, the moment of death is not ours to choose. 9:13–10:17 The teachings and proverbs in this section focus on making one’s way in the world, and they are especially focused on political life. The people described here are likely to have direct