God's Justice and Human Injustice

Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3

Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3 NIV

16 And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there. 17 I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” 18 I also said to myself, “As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?” 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them? 1 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. 2 And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. 3 But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.

The Quest for Justice

We live in a world where injustice often reigns.

We see corruption in governments, inequality in economies, and personal stories of wrongdoing.

Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3 acknowledges this reality: "under the sun," wickedness infiltrates places meant for justice. The Teacher’s observations are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

This passage invites us to wrestle with the tension between the undeniable brokenness of this world and the reality of God's ultimate justice. This belief in divine justice connects deeply to the previous theme in Ecclesiastes 3:1–15—that God is in control of the times and seasons of life.

The truth of God’s sovereignty provides hope amid the darkness of human injustice.

Injustice in a Broken World

Ecclesiastes 3:16 begins with a stark observation: "I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there; in the place of justice—wickedness was there."

The prevalence of injustice

The repetition of "wickedness" emphasizes the distortion of justice (Longman, p. 127). This isn’t just an ancient problem; it’s a human problem.

When people abandon the fear of God, they no longer look to a higher standard. They live by their instincts rather than by the dictates of Scripture (Moore, p. 50).

Reflection on our beast-like nature

Psalm 73:21–22 NIV

21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

When we turn our backs on God, we become like beasts (Ps. 73:21–22). The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:32 illustrates this vividly. His pride led him to literally take on the characteristics of a grazing animal. Sin mars the image of God in humanity, and persistent sin dehumanizes us.

When we sin we become less then human. We become less than the image of YHWH that we were supposed to be. Less then we were created for.

The Certainty of God’s Justice

Despite the injustice the Teacher observes, he consoles himself with this truth: “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed” (Eccl. 3:17).

God’s appointed time This ties back to Ecclesiastes 3:1–15, which declares that everything has its season.

God’s justice is no different. While we may not see it in our time, there is a divinely appointed moment for every judgment.

God is the ultimate Judge This truth is a source of hope.

Life under the sun may be marred by injustice, but God’s justice is perfect and inevitable (Hubbard, p. 114).

For believers, this brings peace: we can rest in God’s promise to set things right.

When we trust in God’s justice, we are freed from the burden of trying to fix everything ourselves. We can focus on living faithfully and advocating for justice in the world while leaving ultimate judgment to God.

The Futility of Life Apart from God

The Preacher will continue to Ecclesiastes 3:19–22 reflects on the shared fate of humans and animals: both return to dust. This stark reality underscores the futility of life "under the sun" without God.

Man’s mortality and beastlikeness Without God, humanity becomes no different from animals. False teachers are even described as "unreasoning animals" (2 Pet. 2:12).

However, while sin mars God’s image in us, it does not obliterate it (Moore, p. 50).

Enjoying life in the present The uncertainty of the future motivates us to enjoy the present (Moore, p. 46). This isn’t about hedonism but about embracing God’s gifts with gratitude, even in a broken world.

Application Let us live with a deep awareness of God’s justice and a humble acceptance of our mortality. This perspective should drive us to pursue righteousness and cherish the time God gives us.

Next Steps: Hope in God’s Perfect Justice

The Teacher’s exploration of injustice reminds us of our dependence on God’s justice. While life under the sun is marred by wickedness, we are not without hope.

We trust that God, in His sovereignty, will judge the righteous and the wicked in His appointed time.

This truth calls us to live with faith and gratitude, knowing that our God is just and His justice will prevail. I know some of you have been hurt. You feel like all there is is injustice. God isn’t moving fast enough.

Let us anchor ourselves in the hope of God’s perfect justice, and may that hope sustain us as we navigate the injustices of this world.

Amen.

Questions for Further Discussion

How does trusting in God’s sovereignty help you navigate injustices in the world?

What does it mean to live with the hope of God’s perfect justice?

How can recognizing our mortality shape the way we live day to day?

Bibliography

Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991.

Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003.

Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.

Cone, Christopher. Life Beyond the Sun: An Introduction to Worldview & Philosophy through the Lens of Ecclesiastes. Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Seminary Press, 2009.

YouTube

Title: God’s Justice and Human Injustice | Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3

Description: In this sermon from our series Ecclesiastes: The Quest for Meaning, we explore Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3, where the Teacher confronts the harsh reality of injustice "under the sun." While life in a broken world is often marred by wickedness, the passage reminds us of a greater truth: God is the ultimate Judge, and His justice will prevail in His appointed time.

Join us as we uncover how a belief in God's perfect justice can bring hope and peace amid life’s challenges.

Key Themes: 📖 The reality of injustice in a fallen world ⏳ Trusting God's timing for justice 🌟 Finding hope in God's sovereignty

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Notes

Sermon Notes

Title: God’s Justice and Human Injustice Text: Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3 Series: Ecclesiastes: The Quest for Meaning

Main Idea

Life under the sun is marred by injustice, but God is the ultimate Judge, and His perfect justice provides hope.

Outline

1. Injustice in a Broken World

Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:16 – “In the place of judgment—wickedness was there; in the place of justice—wickedness was there.”

Observation:

Wickedness often infiltrates places meant for justice.

When people abandon the fear of God, they live by instinct rather than His Word (2 Pet. 2:12).

Reflection:

Personal example of injustice: arresting a felon who escaped accountability.

Humanity’s sin can mar God’s image, reducing us to "beastlike" behavior (Ps. 73:21–22).

2. The Certainty of God’s Justice

Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:17 – “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.”

Truths to Hold Onto:

God’s justice operates on His perfect timetable (cf. Eccl. 3:1–15).

This truth brings peace amid the chaos of injustice.

Application:

Trust God to judge righteously instead of seeking revenge.

Advocate for justice while leaving ultimate judgment to God.

3. The Futility of Life Apart from God

Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:19 – “Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both.”

Reflection:

Without God, humanity shares the same end as animals—death.

Sin distorts our purpose, but the image of God remains intact (Gen. 1:27).

Hope in the Present:

Life’s brevity reminds us to enjoy God’s gifts (cf. Eccl. 3:22).

Gratitude combats despair over injustice.

Key Takeaways

Injustice is a reality in our fallen world, but God’s justice is certain.

God’s appointed time for judgment gives hope and sustains faith.

Recognizing our mortality leads us to live purposefully and gratefully.

Questions for Reflection

How does trusting in God’s justice help you navigate the injustices of the world?

What practical steps can you take to advocate for justice while leaving judgment to God?

How can embracing your mortality lead to a more fulfilling and God-centered life?

Prayer Focus

Praise God for His sovereignty and justice.

Ask for strength to live faithfully amid injustice.

Pray for wisdom to trust God’s timing in all things.

Scripture Cross-References:

Psalm 73:21–22 – Humanity’s beast-like behavior without God.

Daniel 4:32 – King Nebuchadnezzar’s descent into beast-like pride.

2 Peter 2:12 – False teachers as "unreasoning animals."

Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 – God’s control over time and events.

Stay Connected:

Website: https://laughlinchurch.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/LaughlinChurch

Instagram: https://instagram.com/laughlincommunitychurch

Bible study

Bible Study: God’s Justice and Human Injustice

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3 Theme: Life under the sun is marred by injustice, but God is the ultimate Judge.

Day 1: Recognizing Injustice Under the Sun

Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:16–17

“In the place of judgment—wickedness was there; in the place of justice—wickedness was there. I said to myself, ‘God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.’”

Reflection Questions:

Where do you see injustice in the world today?

How does the presence of wickedness in places meant for justice affect your faith?

Word Study:

Hebrew: רֶשַׁע (resha) – Wickedness, injustice, or unrighteousness.

This word highlights the corruption that infiltrates what should be righteous systems. Reflect on how the world’s brokenness contrasts with God’s righteousness.

Application: Pray for those in positions of leadership and justice, asking God to guide their decisions with integrity. Trust that God will bring ultimate justice in His timing.

Day 2: Trusting God’s Justice

Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:18–19

“I also said to myself, ‘As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both.’”

Reflection Questions:

How does knowing that God tests humanity shape your understanding of life’s challenges?

Why do you think the Teacher compares humanity to animals in this passage?

Word Study:

Hebrew: מִקְרֶה (miqreh) – Fate, event, occurrence.

The word emphasizes that human mortality is a shared reality with all living creatures. Consider how this truth should humble us before God.

Application: Spend time acknowledging your dependence on God. Let this truth humble you and lead you to greater trust in His perfect justice.

Day 3: The Weight of Injustice and the Hope of God’s Judgment

Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:1–3

“Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive.”

Reflection Questions:

What does this passage reveal about the emotional toll of injustice?

How can belief in God’s justice provide comfort to the oppressed?

Word Study:

Hebrew: עֹשֶׁק (osheq) – Oppression, exploitation.

This term illustrates the systematic abuse of power. Reflect on how God’s justice addresses both personal and systemic injustice.

Application: Consider ways you can be a source of comfort to someone experiencing injustice. Pray for God to give you wisdom in speaking truth and bringing hope to others.

Day 4: Preparing for the Next Sermon

Reflection Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:4–8

“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Preview Questions:

How does envy or comparison fuel injustice in our world?

How might you guard your heart against unhealthy comparisons?

Word Study:

Hebrew: הֶבֶל (hebel) – Vanity, meaningless, vapor.

This recurring word in Ecclesiastes points to the fleeting nature of life under the sun. Reflect on how this theme connects to the passage and prepares your heart for next week.

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you find your worth and identity in Him rather than in worldly achievements or comparisons.

Final Application

Throughout this study, consider how God’s sovereignty and justice bring hope amidst the realities of life under the sun. Look for ways to advocate for justice in your daily life while trusting that God will bring ultimate judgment in His perfect timing.