Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. Although a sinner does evil a hundred timesThe phrase "a sinner" refers to one who habitually misses the mark of God's standards, as derived from the Hebrew word "chata." The repetition of "a hundred times" emphasizes the persistence and frequency of sin, suggesting a life characterized by continual wrongdoing. Historically, this reflects the human condition and the tendency to fall into patterns of sin, despite the awareness of divine law. The phrase challenges the reader to consider the apparent prosperity of the wicked, a common theme in wisdom literature, which often grapples with the justice of God in the face of human inequity. and may lengthen his life
The idea that a sinner might "lengthen his life" seems paradoxical, as it suggests that those who do evil might still enjoy longevity. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern observation that prosperity and long life were often seen as signs of divine favor. However, the Preacher in Ecclesiastes acknowledges the complexity of life under the sun, where outcomes do not always align with moral behavior. This phrase invites reflection on the temporal nature of earthly life and the ultimate justice of God, which transcends human understanding. yet I also know
The phrase "yet I also know" introduces a contrast and a statement of faith. The Hebrew word "yada" for "know" implies a deep, experiential understanding, not just intellectual assent. This suggests that the speaker has a profound conviction about the truth that follows, despite the apparent contradictions observed in the world. It is a declaration of trust in divine wisdom and justice, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. that it will be well with those who fear God
"Those who fear God" refers to individuals who live in reverence and awe of the Almighty, acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning their lives with His commandments. The Hebrew word "yare" for "fear" encompasses both reverence and respect, not merely terror. The assurance that "it will be well" with such individuals is a recurring promise in Scripture, affirming that true peace and prosperity are found in a right relationship with God. This phrase encourages believers to maintain their faithfulness, trusting in God's ultimate justice and goodness. who revere His presence
To "revere His presence" is to live with an awareness of God's omnipresence and holiness. The Hebrew concept of "presence" (often translated from "panim," meaning "face") implies a personal and intimate relationship with God. Reverence for God's presence involves acknowledging His constant watchfulness and living in a manner that honors Him. This phrase underscores the importance of a heart posture that seeks to honor God in all aspects of life, recognizing that true fulfillment and blessing come from living in alignment with His will. Persons / Places / Events 1. The SinnerRepresents those who live in opposition to God's commandments, engaging in repeated wrongdoing. 2. Those Who Fear GodIndividuals who live in reverence and awe of God, aligning their lives with His will. 3. The Preacher (Qoheleth)Traditionally understood to be Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, who reflects on the meaning of life and the fear of God. 4. GodThe central figure whose presence and reverence are the focus of the passage. 5. The Context of Life's InjusticesThe broader theme in Ecclesiastes of observing life's apparent injustices and the ultimate justice of God. Teaching Points The Illusion of Prosperity for the WickedWhile sinners may appear to prosper and live long lives, this is not an indication of God's approval or the ultimate outcome. The Assurance for Those Who Fear GodDespite the apparent success of the wicked, those who fear God can be assured of His favor and ultimate justice. The Importance of ReverenceRevering God's presence is crucial for a life aligned with His will, leading to true well-being. Trust in God's JusticeBelievers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and justice, even when life seems unfair. Living with an Eternal PerspectiveFocusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary earthly success helps maintain faith and perseverance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the apparent prosperity of the wicked challenge your faith, and how can Ecclesiastes 8:12 provide reassurance? 2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper fear and reverence for God in your daily life? 3. How do the themes in Ecclesiastes 8:12 compare to the teachings in Proverbs about the fear of the Lord? 4. What practical steps can you take to maintain trust in God's justice when faced with life's injustices? 5. How can reflecting on the eternal perspective help you navigate the challenges of seeing sinners prosper? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 1:7This verse highlights the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, connecting to the idea that fearing God leads to wisdom and well-being. Psalm 37:1-2These verses discuss the temporary prosperity of the wicked and the ultimate reward for the righteous, similar to the themes in Ecclesiastes 8:12. Romans 2:6-8Paul speaks about God rendering to each person according to their deeds, emphasizing the eventual justice for those who do good and those who do evil. Job 21:7-13Job questions why the wicked often prosper, paralleling the observation in Ecclesiastes about sinners living long lives despite their actions. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Although, Better, Commits, Crimes, Evil, Fear, Fearing, God-fearing, Hundred, Lengthen, Openly, Prolong, Prolonged, Prolongeth, Prolonging, Prolongs, Reverent, Sinner, Surely, Though, Wicked, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 8:12 5931 resistance
8336 reverence, and obedience Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 8335 reverence, and blessing Ecclesiastes 8:12-14 7150 righteous, the Library Misused Respite
'Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil'--ECCLES. viii. 11. When the Pharaoh of the Exodus saw there was respite, he hardened his heart. Abject in his fear before Moses, he was ready to promise anything; insolent in his pride, he swallows down his promises as soon as fear is eased, his repentance and his retractation of it combined to add new weights about his neck. He was but a conspicuous example of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureFive Fears
Now, you will notice that fear may be yoked into the service of God. True fear, not fearing, but believing, saves the soul; not doubt, but confidence, is the strength and the deliverance of the Christian. Still, fear, as being one of those powers which God hath given us, is not in itself sinful. Fear may be used for the most sinful purposes; at the same time it may be so ennobled by grace, and so used for the service of God, that it may become the very grandest part of man. In fact, Scripture has …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
We shall this morning want you, first of all, to walk with a living man; it is said of him that he did "come and go from the place of the holy:" next, I shall want you to attend his funeral, and then, in conclusion I shall ask you to assist in writing his epitaph--"and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this also is vanity." I. In the first place, HERE IS SOME GOOD COMPANY FOR YOU; some with whom you may walk to the house of God, for it is said of them, that they did come and …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Whether Christ Should have Been Circumcised?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been circumcised. For on the advent of the reality, the figure ceases. But circumcision was prescribed to Abraham as a sign of the covenant concerning his posterity, as may be seen from Gn. 17. Now this covenant was fulfilled in Christ's birth. Therefore circumcision should have ceased at once. Objection 2: Further, "every action of Christ is a lesson to us" [*Innoc. III, Serm. xxii de Temp.]; wherefore it is written (Jn. 3:15): "I have given …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether in Loving God we Ought to Observe any Mode?
Objection 1: It would seem that we ought to observe some mode in loving God. For the notion of good consists in mode, species and order, as Augustine states (De Nat. Boni iii, iv). Now the love of God is the best thing in man, according to Col. 3:14: "Above all . . . things, have charity." Therefore there ought to be a mode of the love of God. Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (De Morib. Eccl. viii): "Prithee, tell me which is the mode of love. For I fear lest I burn with the desire and love of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a Sedition in Cyrene, and was a False Accuser [Of the Innocent].
1. And now did the madness of the Sicarii, like a disease, reach as far as the cities of Cyrene; for one Jonathan, a vile person, and by trade a weaver, came thither and prevailed with no small number of the poorer sort to give ear to him; he also led them into the desert, upon promising them that he would show them signs and apparitions. And as for the other Jews of Cyrene, he concealed his knavery from them, and put tricks upon them; but those of the greatest dignity among them informed Catullus, …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 8:12 NIVEcclesiastes 8:12 NLTEcclesiastes 8:12 ESVEcclesiastes 8:12 NASBEcclesiastes 8:12 KJV
Ecclesiastes 8:12 Commentaries
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