The Mystery of God’s Justice

Introduction

Have you ever looked around and thought, “That’s not fair!” Maybe you saw someone cheat their way to success, lie to keep their job, or abuse others and walk away untouched—praised, even.

Meanwhile, someone who’s done things the right way—honestly, humbly, sacrificially—gets passed over, stepped on, or forgotten.

It’s infuriating.

This isn’t a modern problem. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes—Qoheleth—saw the same thing in his day.

His words in Ecclesiastes 8:10–17 are honest, raw, and strangely comforting. He doesn't pretend the world is fair.

He tells the truth. But he also points us toward a faithful God, a better way to live, and a hope beyond what we can see.

Ecclesiastes 8:10-17

Ecclesiastes 8:10–17 CSB

10 In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did those things. This too is futile. 11 Because the sentence against an evil act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit evil. 12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before him. 13 However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. 14 There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. 15 So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. 16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the activity that is done on the earth (even though one’s eyes do not close in sleep day or night), 17 I observed all the work of God and concluded that a person is unable to discover the work that is done under the sun. Even though a person labors hard to explore it, he cannot find it; even if a wise person claims to know it, he is unable to discover it.

Success of the Sinful

“Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity.”

Qoheleth saw something heartbreaking: wicked people were honored in the very cities where they had committed their injustices. These were people who used to “go in and out of the holy place.” That is—they appeared religious. They put on a good show at temple. Had that religious affiliation. “of Course I am a Christian”

But behind closed doors, they oppressed, lied, and hurt others.

Then they died. And instead of being remembered truthfully, they were praised.

David Keddie observes, “Sometimes the pain caused by an unjust ruler is intensified by the fact that people remember him in a way that ignores his heinous actions… It is one thing to observe the ancient maxim, ‘Speak only good of the dead,’ but quite another to canonize an utter reprobate as if he were as pure as the driven snow!”

We’ve all seen this. A corrupt leader dies and is celebrated like a saint. The victims are forgotten. The wrongs are swept under the rug.

This kind of injustice shakes us. It tests our faith. It tempts us to think: Is there any justice in the universe at all?

And the Teacher says: This too is hevel—vanity, absurdity, smoke.

And what’s worse: because God’s judgment isn’t immediate, sinners keep on sinning.

“Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.” (v. 11)

This verse is profoundly insightful. People sin more boldly when they think they’re getting away with it. When judgment doesn’t come quickly, it emboldens evil.

Psalm 73 echoes this tension. The psalmist says of the wicked: “They have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek… They scoff and speak with malice” (Ps. 73:4, 8). They live lives free of pain, full of luxury.

Even though sinners may prolong their lives and seem to succeed, Qoheleth reminds us that this is an illusion. Justice delayed is not justice denied.

Suffering of the Saint

“Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God… but it will not be well with the wicked.”

Even if the wicked live long and seem successful, their fate is not good. Even if the righteous suffer, their end is better. This is not wishful thinking—it’s a conviction grounded in the fear of the Lord.

Moore and Akin write, “It is better to fear God because there is not only peace of mind in this present world but also pardon at the final judgment.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 will later make this explicit:

“Fear God and keep his commandments… For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

God’s justice may not come fast. But it will come.

Qoheleth wrestles with the very thing we struggle with: why do the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper?

“There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked… and wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous.” (v. 14)

In other words: sometimes bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people.

Qoheleth doesn’t try to explain it all away. He calls it what it is: vanity, injustice, mystery.

The Wisdom of Enjoying Life

And so, what do we do?

“I commend joy,” he says. “There is nothing better… than to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life…”

This isn’t a shallow “eat, drink, and be merry” philosophy. It’s a way to hold on to the simple gifts of life in the middle of an unfair world. Food. Friendship. Joy. Contentment.

Qoheleth then concludes with a humble reflection:

“Then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun… Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.”

Bridges reflects, “If revelation contained no mysteries… surely its credentials, as professing to come from God, would be very doubtful.”

In other words, the mystery of God’s ways doesn’t disprove His presence—it confirms it.

Living by Faith in God’s Perfect Timing

So how do we live in light of all this?

We live by faith. Not blind faith, but informed, humble, trusting faith.

We trust that God sees more than we do. We rest knowing that He will judge justly. We fear God and live in reverence before Him—not because He’s unpredictable, but because He’s holy. We enjoy the gifts He gives us without guilt or fear—food, laughter, love, beauty—knowing they’re from His hand. And we hope in His promises. Because one day, as Habakkuk 2:14 declares,

“The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”

Next steps

The mystery of God’s justice is not a puzzle we can solve. It’s a reality we learn to live with.

Sometimes the wicked are praised. Sometimes the righteous suffer. But Ecclesiastes reminds us that justice will not always be delayed. It will come—in God’s perfect time.

Until then, fear God. Trust Him. Enjoy His gifts. And keep your eyes fixed on the One who is perfectly just and perfectly faithful.

Questions for Further Reflection

Have you ever been hurt or confused when a wicked person was honored? How did it affect your faith?

Why do you think God allows evil to go unpunished for a time?

How does fearing God bring peace and hope in a world full of injustice?

What are some simple joys you can be more intentional to enjoy, even amid hardship?

How does the mystery of God’s justice and revelation stretch your faith and humility?

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.

Notes

Sermon Notes

The Mystery of God’s Justice

Ecclesiastes 8:10–17 Pastor Ryan Stotler Theme: God’s justice may seem delayed, but He is faithful. Application: Live with faith in God’s perfect timing.

1. The Success of the Sinful (vv. 10–11)

The wicked are often _______________ in death, even if they lived unjustly.

Because judgment is delayed, people’s hearts become ___________________.

Psalm 73:4 – “They have no _________ until death…”

Reflection: Have I been tempted to envy or excuse the success of the wicked?

2. The Suffering of the Saint (vv. 12–14)

Even if a sinner lives a long life, it will not be _______ with him.

“It will be well with those who ________ _______.”

Sometimes the righteous suffer while the wicked _______________.

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 – God will bring every deed into ________________.

Reflection: How does the fear of the Lord change my perspective on justice?

3. The Wisdom of Enjoying Life (vv. 15–17)

“I commend _________…” – Qoheleth encourages us to enjoy daily gifts.

Life is too ___________ for us to fully understand.

“Even a wise man cannot ______ it ______.”

Bridges: The mysteries of God’s revelation confirm that it is truly from ______.

Reflection: What simple joys do I need to pause and thank God for this week?

Takeaway: Living with Faith in God’s Perfect Timing

Trust God’s _________

Fear God with _______________

Enjoy life with __________________

Hope in God’s _______________

For Further Discussion & Prayer

How do I respond when life feels unfair?

Where am I called to live by faith and not by sight?

How can I encourage someone struggling with injustice this week?

The Delayed Justice: Trusting God's Perfect Timing

Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 8:10-17

Summary: This passage reflects on the perplexities of life, specifically focusing on the issue of justice. It acknowledges that the wicked may sometimes prosper while the righteous suffer, leading to a deep examination of what true justice looks like when God's timing seems mysterious and delayed.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to trust in God's sovereign timing, even when they face injustice or see apparent unrighteousness around them. It instills a sense of hope that, despite current struggles, God's ultimate justice will prevail, urging believers to remain faithful amid life’s uncertainties.

Teaching: This sermon can teach that God’s justice operates in His own perfect timing, which may differ from our expectations. Believers are reminded that what may seem unfair in the moment is part of God’s divine plan, which ultimately leads to true justice and righteousness being established.

How this passage could point to Christ: The theme of God's mysterious justice, reflected in Ecclesiastes, culminates in Christ, who embodies God's perfect justice and righteousness. In Christ, we find assurance that all injustices will be reconciled, and the ultimate justice will be fulfilled in Him through His work on the cross and His return.

Big Idea: Though God's justice may seem delayed, we can trust in His perfect timing, knowing that we are called to live faithfully as we await His ultimate reconciliation of all things.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the wisdom literature's unique perspective on justice, particularly the contrasting themes of the fate of the wicked versus the righteous in Ecclesiastes. Utilize Logos to examine historical and cultural contexts that influenced the author's thoughts on injustice. Pay close attention to commentaries that address the theological implications of God's timing throughout Scripture.

1. Success of the Sinful

Ecclesiastes 8:10-12

You could highlight how the apparent success of the wicked can cause confusion and doubt about God's justice. Yet, these verses assure that God's judgment is inevitable, and His timing is perfect. Perhaps remind listeners that God's patience is an opportunity for repentance, illustrating His mercy even when justice seems delayed. Encouraging faith in times of injustice can cultivate deep trust in God's overarching plan, instilling hope that the current state is not final, but part of a larger, divine narrative.

2. Suffering of the Saint

Ecclesiastes 8:13-14

You could consider using these verses to address the seeming contradictions in life where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. Perhaps, this paradox serves as a call for deeper reliance on God's wisdom rather than human understanding. These verses provoke questions of fairness and justice, yet they unfold the necessity of faith, trusting that God’s ways are higher. Encouraging acknowledgement of life's complexities might lead to greater spiritual resilience, embracing the mystery as part of faith.

3. Sanctioned Sovereign Enjoyment

Ecclesiastes 8:15

Maybe emphasize Solomon's counsel to enjoy life despite its mysteries, believing in God's goodness. This point can suggest finding joy in God’s gifts as an act of faith. Rather than cynicism, embracing God-given pleasures with gratitude elevates contentment, affirming trust in His timing. Perhaps by encouraging joyful living amidst confusion, we proclaim God's love and trustworthiness, finding solace in His promise to ultimately deliver justice. As believers, celebrating life's blessings glorifies Him and counters despair.

4. Surrender to Superior Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

You could explore these verses to address the limits of human understanding regarding God's full plan. Solomon admits to the mystery beyond human comprehension, maybe thereby fostering humility and reverence for God's wisdom. When faced with life’s unfairness and complexity, trusting rather than understanding is vital. Encouraging reliance on God’s nature and promises reorients focus from immediate answers to steadfast faith, knowing that God’s perfect justice is guaranteed through Christ’s ultimate intervention.

Youtube

🎥 The Mystery of God’s Justice 📖 Ecclesiastes 8:10–17 | Pastor Ryan Stotler 🔔 Subscribe for more biblical teaching: https://laughlinchurch.com

Why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? Why does injustice go unpunished? In this honest and timely message, Pastor Ryan explores Ecclesiastes 8:10–17, where the Teacher confronts life’s hardest questions about fairness, justice, and God’s timing.

You’ll discover:

Why evil seems to succeed in the short term

Why the fear of God still matters

How to live joyfully and wisely in a broken world

The hope we have in God’s perfect justice

📌 Main Points:

The Success of the Sinful

The Suffering of the Saint

The Wisdom of Enjoying Life

📝 Download sermon notes, get connected, and explore our resources: 📱 Church App: https://laughlinchurch.com/download-the-app 📷 Instagram: https://instagram.com/laughlincommunitychurch 👍 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LaughlinChurch

✝️ “Fear God and keep his commandments… For God will bring every deed into judgment.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

#Ecclesiastes #JusticeOfGod #LaughlinChurch #Sermon #BibleTeaching #FaithInHardTimes

Biblestudy

Absolutely! Here's a 3-day Bible study to accompany your sermon “The Mystery of God’s Justice” (Ecclesiastes 8:10–17). It includes daily reflections, word studies, personal application, and prepares listeners to deepen their faith and prepare for the next message.

Bible Study: The Mystery of God’s Justice

Companion to Ecclesiastes 8:10–17 Purpose: To help you reflect more deeply on God’s justice, grow in wisdom, and walk in faith even when life seems unfair.

Day 1: When the Wicked Are Honored

📖 Read: Ecclesiastes 8:10–11; Psalm 73:1–14

🧐 Reflection: Qoheleth observed a shocking reality: the wicked were praised and honored even after living unjustly. Sometimes it seems as though evil wins and no one is paying attention. Psalm 73 shares the same frustration—seeing the wicked prosper can make us question if living righteously is worth it.

🕊️ Hebrew Word Study: רָשָׁע (rasha) – “Wicked”

This word refers to someone guilty of sin or injustice, especially one who actively oppresses others.

In both Ecclesiastes and the Psalms, rasha describes people who live in disregard of God yet seem to escape consequences.

✍️ Questions to Consider:

Have you ever been troubled by the success of someone who lived unjustly?

Why do you think God sometimes delays judgment?

How can you hold on to faith when the world seems unfair?

🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Lord, give me faith to trust You when justice feels distant. Help me see the long view of Your righteous plan and to live with integrity no matter what I see around me.”

Day 2: Living in the Fear of the Lord

📖 Read: Ecclesiastes 8:12–14; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; Hebrews 11:6

🧐 Reflection: Even though the wicked may appear to succeed, Qoheleth declares that “it will be well with those who fear God.” This isn’t an emotional fear, but a reverent awe and humble submission to God’s authority. This kind of fear anchors us in uncertain times and keeps our lives pointed toward ultimate truth and justice.

📘 Hebrew Word Study: יָרֵא (yare) – “To fear, revere”

Yare doesn’t just mean “to be afraid”—it implies worship, awe, and respect.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 concludes the entire book with this word: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

✍️ Questions to Consider:

What does it mean to “fear God” in your daily life?

How does the fear of God give peace when you don’t understand His timing?

What is the difference between worldly fear and biblical fear?

🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Father, grow in me a holy fear of You. Teach me to revere Your justice, trust Your timing, and obey You even when I don’t have all the answers.”

Day 3: Learning to Enjoy Simple Gifts

📖 Read: Ecclesiastes 8:15–17; James 1:17; Philippians 4:11–13

🧐 Reflection: Qoheleth calls us to embrace the joy of eating, drinking, and friendship—not as escapism, but as a way of living gratefully in the tension of life’s mysteries. These small pleasures become acts of faith and worship when we enjoy them in reverence to God. Life is too complex to fully understand, but we can rest in the Giver of all good gifts.

📘 Hebrew Word Study: שִׂמְחָה (simchah) – “Joy, gladness”

This word appears throughout Ecclesiastes, referring to a joy rooted in gratitude for what God provides, even when life doesn’t make sense.

It’s not superficial—it’s the result of receiving life as a gift from God.

✍️ Questions to Consider:

What simple gifts has God given you that you’ve overlooked?

How can contentment be an act of worship in a world full of injustice?

In what ways can joy deepen your faith?

🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me enjoy what You’ve given—relationships, food, rest, beauty—and not take them for granted. Thank You for daily mercies that remind me of Your love.”

Bonus Reflection: Preparing for Next Week

Take time to re-read Ecclesiastes 8:17. Qoheleth says that “no one can comprehend what goes on under the sun.” He doesn’t give us all the answers. But the mystery itself is part of faith. Prepare your heart for the next teaching by asking:

What questions am I still wrestling with?

Am I okay trusting God even when I don’t understand?

How does Jesus’ resurrection reassure me of God’s ultimate justice?