What does Ecclesiastes 7:15 teach about God's sovereignty over life's injustices? Setting the Scene Ecclesiastes 7:15 says, “I have seen everything in my days of vanity: There is a righteous man who perishes despite his righteousness, and there is a wicked man whose life is prolonged despite his wickedness.” Observing the Verse • The Preacher notices a common but troubling reality: the righteous sometimes die young, while the wicked may enjoy long life. • “Vanity” points to life’s fleeting, puzzling nature under the sun. • This tension forces us to look beyond surface appearances to God’s ultimate governance. Tracing the Theme of Sovereignty • God remains in control even when outcomes seem wrong to us (Isaiah 55:8-9). • Scripture consistently teaches that He “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). • Job recognized the Lord’s prerogative: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away” (Job 1:21). Why God Allows Apparent Injustice 1. Testing and refining faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). 2. Displaying His patience, “not wishing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). 3. Reserving final justice for His appointed day (Acts 17:31). Living with Tension • Psalm 73 mirrors Ecclesiastes 7:15: the psalmist envied the prosperous wicked until he entered God’s sanctuary and saw their end. • Romans 8:28 assures believers that “all things work together for good,” even when that good is not immediately visible. Faith Anchored in Sovereignty • Trust God’s character when circumstances defy explanation. • Avoid simplistic equations: righteousness ≠ guaranteed ease; wickedness ≠ instant ruin. • Hold onto eternal perspective: “For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Practical Takeaways • Continue to live righteously, leaving outcomes to God. • Respond to injustice with steadfast hope, not cynicism. • Encourage one another with the promise that the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). |
    |