Making timely decisions is essential in navigating life’s complexities. “I saw all the deeds that were done under the sun, and behold, everything is vanity and frustration.” — Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) 14:14
In everyone’s life, there comes a moment when we look back and see the results of our choices. Unfortunately, we can’t fix some of them, no matter how hard we try. So what should we do when we can’t change the past, yet still need to shape our future?
When Truth and Timely Decisions Meet in Simplicity
Old carpenter Michael worked in a small workshop at the edge of town. Throughout his life, he crafted beautiful wooden items that people valued for their exact details and careful work. One day, a young man named Alex visited him.
“I want to learn your craft,” the young man said eagerly.
Michael looked at him and asked, “Why?”
“I want to make money quickly, open a big workshop, and become famous,” Alex replied.
In response, the old master took out two boards. One looked straight and new, while the other curved from years of weather exposure.
The Timely Decisions That Determine Our Future
“Try to straighten this curved board,” the master asked, giving Alex the old piece of wood.
The young man tried many methods to straighten it—he soaked it, placed weights on it—but the wood simply cracked and broke. After many hours of failed attempts, he finally gave up.
“I can’t do it,” Alex admitted.
“Exactly,” Michael nodded. “Once something becomes warped and hardens that way, you can’t fix it anymore. Therefore, timely decisions about how we shape our materials determine what they ultimately become.”
The Value of Making Timely Decisions in the Moment
The next day, the master invited Alex to the town square where musicians performed. People gathered in groups—some listened to music, others chatted, while others just walked by.
“Count how many people enjoy the music,” Michael requested.
Alex started counting, but people constantly moved around, with some leaving and others arriving. Consequently, he couldn’t arrive at a final number.
“I can’t give you an exact answer,” the young man confessed.
“Indeed, you can’t count what isn’t there,” the master replied. “Additionally, once you miss an opportunity, it never returns. Furthermore, those who miss the music now will never hear this exact performance again.”
A Lesson About Timely Decisions Not to Forget
Later that evening, they returned to the workshop. Michael grabbed a fresh piece of wood and began working. His hands moved with confidence and precision.
“You see,” he explained while continuing his work, “two important truths exist in life. First of all, you can’t straighten what has become crooked. Secondly, you can’t count what is missing.”
“But that seems sad,” Alex remarked.
“Only if you focus on the past,” the master smiled. “However, if you look toward the future, these truths actually free you. Moreover, they teach us to pay attention to what we do now. As a result, timely decisions prevent problems that we can’t fix later.”
Practical Wisdom for Modern Life
This ancient wisdom remains surprisingly useful today, especially when life moves quickly and we must make fast decisions:
- Do it right the first time. Once something suffers serious damage, you often can’t fully restore it—whether it’s your reputation, relationships, or missed chances.
- Value the present moment. You can’t get back lost time or unmade choices. In fact, each day offers unique options that won’t return.
- Accept reality. When you recognize that some things won’t change, you can then focus your energy on making timely decisions about things within your control.
From Awareness to Action
Alex stayed to learn in Michael’s workshop. He gained not just craft skills but also wisdom. Years later, when he taught his own students, he often shared the lesson about the crooked board and the uncounted people.
True wisdom doesn’t mean never making mistakes—that’s impossible. Instead, wisdom means understanding how your current actions matter and realizing that timely decisions shape a future you can’t later change.
This central message from the ancient text reminds us: while life under the sun might seem meaningless, paying attention to our present actions gives it purpose and direction.
Source: Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) – Chapter 14, verses 14-15. The text comes from the original Hebrew: “רָאִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת־כָּל־הַֽמַּֽעֲשִׂ֔ים שֶֽׁנַּֽעֲשׂ֖וּ תַּ֣חַת הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ וְהִנֵּ֥ה הַכֹּ֛ל הֶ֖בֶל וּרְע֥וּת רֽוּחַ: מְעֻוָּ֖ת לֹֽא־יוּכַ֣ל לִתְקֹ֑ן וְחֶסְר֖וֹן לֹֽא־יוּכַ֥ל לְהִמָּנֽוֹת:”
Afterword: The text of this article has not been approved by any sage, Torah scholar, or rabbi and is merely a simplified adaptation of the sacred text for general understanding. For comprehension of true wisdom and a deeper understanding of the original text, you should refer to the sources.
This and all other article texts of the Mega-Charity.Org resource express only the personal opinions of the authors who compiled them. They are intended only for general and superficial understanding of the real sources of wisdom. References to which are provided.
