The ESV translation begins verse 14 by quoting the Preacher as saying, ‘I perceived.’ That verb in Hebrew is the very basic verb that means ‘to know.’ Solomon is announcing that he ‘knows’ something. This is not him saying that he thinks or he guesses or he speculates. No, he claims that he knows something certain about reality. He has been on a quest and here is an important part of the solution. What is it that he knows? He demonstrates a solid belief in the sovereignty of