Ecclesiastes 8:10-11 - Presuming upon God's Kindness

Ecclesiastes 8:10-11
¹⁰ So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. ¹¹ Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.


Message: Presuming upon God's Kindness

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

I have studied chapter 8 of Ecclesiastes yet. My first reading of these verses sees a view of the wicked buried, in their graves, gone. And there is a connection with them and the holy place, the temple gathering. They have died and they are forgotten now. The outcome of evil deeds is not executed quickly. The wicked know this. Their hearts are given fully to do evil.

Insight from TableTalk for today, August 12, 2015 -- If a society's justice system is known for it inefficiency and for taking far longer than necessary to deal with the criminal element, the criminal element is emboldened.

This is a troubling thing with criminal acts. It is tough to see how long it takes some to merit any consequences, to the point that we expect God to deal with the criminal activity immediately, even at times outside of the justice system. 

But, am I not thankful that there are not quick consequences and it is his kindness that leads me to repentance.

Promise: Just may seem to be delayed, but it always comes at the right time. Our just God will set things right, so we have ample reason to trust in Him.