Life Isn’t Fair

Eccl. 7:15-18 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

These verses declare a very troubling truth to many of us; often the good die young and the wicked live long and prosper.

I liked Ray Stedman’s thoughts on this verse. This seems to be Solomon’s way of saying, “Moderation in all things.” On verse 16 he states: “The second verb of Verse 16, "Do not make yourself overwise," is the key to understanding the verse. In grammar this is called a reflexive verb; that is why the word yourself is included there. What the Searcher is really saying is, "Do not be wise to yourself; do not be wise in your own eyes, in regard to your righteousness." He goes on to state that self-righteousness is usually based on what a person doesn’t do, but I think it would also include the things they do. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day are a great example of its truth. That person is more concentrated on pleasing self than God. That type of pride is a sin just as despised by God as wicked actions. Both types of sin lead to His judgment.

Solomon’s conclusion is that one should live one’s life in light of this truth. The most important truth in the end is that the one that fears God finds life after death in the presence of God.

1 John 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Eccl. 7:19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

I think the CJB gives the better insight: “To a wise man wisdom is better protection than ten rulers in a city.” The Hebrew, however, seems to me to be referencing strong men, not rulers. We have already discussed that those who are truly wise have put their faith in God. So my version would be: One man with the ability to seek God’s wisdom in making plans and preparations for defense is far more important to the protection of a city than ten men of brute strength.

Eccl. 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

This verse is the Old Testament match to Romans 3:12: “…there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

Every person born since the fall of man into sin is born a sinner. The only exception to this truth is the man Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born without the sin nature inherited by the descendants of Adam; and He lived a sinless life.

Hebrews 4:14-15 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”