Talk:God works in mysterious ways

Interestingly, the German version of this saying is actually a bible quote (from Romans 11:33). The English version of that verse doesn't really equate to the English version of the saying, however.

"O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments [are] and past tracing out his ways [are]!"

German version of the bible verse:

"O Tiefe des Reichtums und der Weisheit und der Erkenntnis Gottes! Wie unerforschlich [sind] seine Gerichte und unausspürbar seine Wege!"

141.70.108.224 00:14, 1 November 2011 (UTC)


 * Paul the Apostle did not write in German and the English version depends on the translation you choose. I find (https://biblia.com/bible/esv/romans/11/33) “how inscrutable his ways” in English closer to the German and to the French version I am used to (“Les voies du Seigneur sont impénétrables”). It would be interesting to know if Cowper was consciously referring to Romans 11:33. --DominiqueM (talk) 15:49, 30 May 2020 (UTC)

Explanation, original research?
I am surprised by the purely positive explanation offered: "confidence" and "beneficial later". (Also in the synonyms "silver lining" and "blessing".) To me it could mean purely neutral (not to say slightly negative): "do not try to understand", "accept as it is". This a case where I definitely feel references would be needed. --DominiqueM (talk) 15:59, 30 May 2020 (UTC)