◄ Ecclesiastes 3:16 ►
Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.
Study Bible
Furthermore
This word serves as a continuation of the thoughts previously expressed by the Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon. It indicates that what follows is an additional observation about the human condition and the world. The Hebrew word used here, "וְעוֹד" (ve'od), suggests an ongoing reflection, emphasizing the continuous nature of the Preacher's exploration of life's complexities.

I saw
The phrase "I saw" indicates a personal observation and experience. The Hebrew root "רָאָה" (ra'ah) implies not just physical sight but also understanding and discernment. Solomon, known for his wisdom, is sharing insights gained through his God-given ability to perceive the deeper truths of life.

under the sun
This phrase is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, referring to life on earth from a human perspective. The Hebrew "תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ" (tachat hashemesh) suggests the temporal and often futile nature of earthly endeavors. It reminds readers that the observations made are about the fallen world, distinct from the divine perspective.

in the place of judgment
The "place of judgment" refers to courts or settings where justice is expected to be administered. The Hebrew "מְקוֹם הַמִּשְׁפָּט" (makom hamishpat) highlights the societal structures intended to uphold justice. Historically, these were places where leaders and judges were expected to act with integrity, reflecting God's justice.

there is wickedness
The presence of "wickedness" in places of judgment is a profound observation of moral corruption. The Hebrew word "רֶשַׁע" (resha) denotes evil, injustice, and moral wrong. This highlights the fallen nature of humanity and the perversion of justice, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, reminding believers of the need for divine justice.

and in the place of righteousness
This phrase refers to areas or institutions where righteousness should prevail, such as religious or community settings. The Hebrew "מְקוֹם הַצֶּדֶק" (makom hatzedek) suggests places where God's standards are to be upheld. The expectation is that these places would reflect God's character and moral order.

there is wickedness
The repetition of "wickedness" underscores the pervasive nature of sin and corruption. It serves as a lament over the distortion of what should be holy and just. This repetition emphasizes the Preacher's disillusionment with human institutions and the need for divine intervention.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. He reflects on the injustices he observes in the world.

2. Place of Judgment
- This refers to courts or places where justice is expected to be administered. Solomon notes the presence of wickedness even in these places.

3. Place of Righteousness
- This could refer to religious or moral settings where righteousness should prevail, yet Solomon observes wickedness here as well.

4. Wickedness
- The presence of moral corruption and injustice in places where justice and righteousness are expected.

5. Under the Sun
- A phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes to denote life on earth, emphasizing the human perspective and the temporal nature of worldly affairs.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Injustice
Acknowledge that injustice is a reality in our world, even in places where we expect fairness and righteousness. This should not lead to despair but to a deeper reliance on God's ultimate justice.

The Call to Righteousness
As Christians, we are called to be agents of righteousness and justice in a world filled with wickedness. This involves personal integrity and advocating for justice in our communities.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
While we may see wickedness in places of judgment, we must trust that God is sovereign and will ultimately bring about justice. Our hope is in His perfect judgment.

Self-Examination
Reflect on areas in our own lives where we may contribute to injustice or fail to uphold righteousness. Seek God's guidance to align our actions with His will.

Active Engagement
Engage actively in societal structures to promote justice and righteousness. This can include voting, community service, and supporting policies that reflect biblical values.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's observation of wickedness in places of judgment challenge your understanding of justice in today's world?

2. In what ways can you personally contribute to promoting righteousness in your community or workplace?

3. How do the additional scriptures connected to Ecclesiastes 3:16 deepen your understanding of the presence of wickedness in places of judgment?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions align with God's call to righteousness, especially in areas where you have influence?

5. How can trusting in God's ultimate justice provide comfort and guidance when you encounter injustice in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 82
- This Psalm addresses the failure of judges to uphold justice, echoing the theme of corruption in places of judgment.

Isaiah 5:20
- This verse warns against calling evil good and good evil, highlighting the moral confusion that can exist in society.

Amos 5:7
- Amos speaks against those who turn justice into bitterness, aligning with Solomon's observation of wickedness in places of judgment.

James 2:1-4
- James warns against showing favoritism, which can lead to injustice, similar to the wickedness Solomon observes.

Romans 3:10-18
- Paul describes the universal nature of sin, which can explain the presence of wickedness even in places meant for righteousness.
Sermons
The Conclusion of Folly or the Faith of the Wise?W. Clarkson Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13, 22
A Present Use and Enjoyment of the Gifts of God is AdvisableJ. Willcoc Ecclesiastes 3:14-17
Man's Unrighteousness Contrasted with God's RighteousnessD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 3:16, 17
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Evil, Furthermore, Iniquity, Judges, Judgment, Justice, Moreover, Righteousness, Wicked, Wickedness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 3:16

     5346   injury

Library
Eternity in the Heart
'He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also He hath set the world in their heart.'--ECCLES. iii. 11. There is considerable difficulty in understanding what precise meaning is to be attached to these words, and what precise bearing they have on the general course of the writer's thoughts; but one or two things are, at any rate, quite clear. The Preacher has been enumerating all the various vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity, of construction and destruction, of society and solitude, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'A Time to Plant'
'A time to plant.'--Eccles. iii. 2. The writer enumerates in this context a number of opposite courses of conduct arranged in pairs, each of which is right at the right time. The view thus presented seems to him to be depressing, and to make life difficult to understand, and aimless. We always appear to be building up with one hand and pulling down with the other. The ship never heads for two miles together in the same direction. The history of human affairs appears to be as purposeless as the play …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

For what Christian Men of Our Time Being Free from the Marriage Bond...
15. For what Christian men of our time being free from the marriage bond, having power to contain from all sexual intercourse, seeing it to be now "a time," as it is written, "not of embracing, but of abstaining from embrace," [1977] would not choose rather to keep virginal or widowed continence, than (now that there is no obligation from duty to human society) to endure tribulation of the flesh, without which marriages cannot be (to pass over in silence other things from which the Apostle spares.) …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

But Thou who Both Hast Sons, and Livest in that End of the World...
11. But thou who both hast sons, and livest in that end of the world, wherein now is the time not of casting stones, but of gathering; not of embracing, but of abstaining from embracing; [2244] when the Apostle cries out, "But this I say, brethren, the time is short; it remains, that both they who have wives be as not having;" [2245] assuredly if thou hadst sought a second marriage, it would have been no obedience of prophecy or law, no carnal desire even of family, but a mark of incontinence alone. …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Conclusion of the Matter
'Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2. While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain; 3. In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4. And the doors shall be shut in …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Of Self-Annihilation
Of Self-Annihilation Supplication and sacrifice are comprehended in prayer, which, according to S. John, is "an incense, the smoke whereof ascendeth unto God;" therefore it is said in the Apocalypse that "unto the Angel was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints'' (Chap. viii. 3). Prayer is the effusion of the heart in the Presence of God: "I have poured out my soul before God" saith the mother of Samuel. (1 Sam. i. 15) The prayer of the wise men at the feet of …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Introductory Note.
[a.d. 145-220.] When our Lord repulsed the woman of Canaan (Matt. xv. 22) with apparent harshness, he applied to her people the epithet dogs, with which the children of Israel had thought it piety to reproach them. When He accepted her faith and caused it to be recorded for our learning, He did something more: He reversed the curse of the Canaanite and showed that the Church was designed "for all people;" Catholic alike for all time and for all sorts and conditions of men. Thus the North-African …
Tertullian—Apology

The Lapse of Time.
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."--Eccles. ix. 10. Solomon's advice that we should do whatever our hand findeth to do with our might, naturally directs our thoughts to that great work in which all others are included, which will outlive all other works, and for which alone we really are placed here below--the salvation of our souls. And the consideration of this great work, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind,"
Rom. viii. s 5, 6.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind," &c. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." There are many differences among men in this world, that, as to outward appearance, are great and wide, and indeed they are so eagerly pursued, and seriously minded by men, as if they were great and momentous. You see what a strife and contention there is among men, how to be extracted out of the dregs of the multitude, and set a little higher …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the Flesh,"
Rom. viii. 4, 5.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh," &c. If there were nothing else to engage our hearts to religion, I think this might do it, that there is so much reason in it. Truly it is the most rational thing in the world, except some revealed mysteries of faith, which are far above reason, but not contrary to it. There is nothing besides in it, but that which is the purest reason. Even that part of it which is most difficult to man, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

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

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