When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil. When the sentenceThe phrase "when the sentence" refers to the judgment or decree that is pronounced upon an individual for wrongdoing. In the Hebrew context, the word for "sentence" can be linked to "mishpat," which means judgment or justice. This reflects the biblical principle that God is a God of justice, and His laws are designed to maintain order and righteousness. The importance of timely justice is emphasized throughout Scripture, as it reflects God's character and His desire for a just society. for a crime
The term "crime" here is indicative of an act that violates God's laws or societal norms. In Hebrew, the word often used is "ra," which can mean evil or wickedness. This highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of the actions being judged. The Bible consistently teaches that sin is not just a personal failing but a transgression against God's holiness and the well-being of the community. is not quickly carried out
This phrase underscores the importance of prompt justice. The Hebrew concept of "quickly" suggests immediacy and urgency. In ancient Israel, justice was expected to be swift to deter further wrongdoing and to uphold the moral fabric of society. Delayed justice can lead to a breakdown in societal order and a loss of faith in the judicial system, both then and now. the hearts of men
The "hearts of men" refers to the inner thoughts, intentions, and moral compass of individuals. In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. The Bible often speaks of the heart as the source of both good and evil actions, emphasizing the need for a heart aligned with God's will. become fully set
This phrase indicates a firm determination or resolve. In the Hebrew language, the idea of being "fully set" suggests a hardening or solidifying of one's intentions. When justice is delayed, individuals may become emboldened in their sinful behavior, believing there are no immediate consequences for their actions. on doing evil
The phrase "on doing evil" highlights the propensity of human nature to rebel against God's commands. The Hebrew word for "evil" is often "ra," which encompasses a wide range of immoral actions. The Bible teaches that without the restraining influence of God's law and the Holy Spirit, humanity is inclined toward sin. This verse serves as a warning of the dangers of unchecked sin and the necessity of righteous judgment to curb evil tendencies. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer insights into human nature and the pursuit of meaning. 2. Israel- The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The societal and legal structures of ancient Israel provide context for understanding the implications of justice and its execution. 3. The Wicked- Refers to individuals who commit crimes or engage in evil actions. The verse addresses the consequences of delayed justice on their behavior. Teaching Points The Importance of Timely JusticeDelayed justice can lead to an increase in wickedness as it emboldens wrongdoers. It is crucial for societies to uphold justice promptly to deter evil actions. The Human Heart's InclinationThe verse highlights the natural inclination of the human heart towards evil when unchecked. This calls for vigilance in personal and communal moral accountability. God's Perfect JusticeWhile human justice systems may fail or delay, believers can trust in God's perfect and ultimate justice. This assurance should guide our responses to injustice. The Role of AuthorityAuthorities are instituted by God to execute justice. Christians are called to respect and support just governance while advocating for reforms where justice is lacking. Personal Reflection and RepentanceReflect on areas in life where delayed consequences have led to complacency in sin. Seek God's forgiveness and strength to pursue righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the delay in executing justice affect individuals and society as a whole? 2. In what ways can believers contribute to a more just society, reflecting God's justice? 3. How does understanding God's ultimate justice provide comfort in times of perceived injustice? 4. What are some personal areas where you might be taking advantage of delayed consequences, and how can you address them? 5. How do other scriptures, such as Romans 2:4-5, enhance our understanding of God's patience and justice in relation to Ecclesiastes 8:11? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 29:1- This verse discusses the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction, similar to how delayed justice can embolden wrongdoing. Romans 2:4-5- Paul speaks about God's patience and kindness, which should lead to repentance, contrasting with the hardening of hearts when justice is delayed. Psalm 73:3-17- The psalmist struggles with the prosperity of the wicked, which can be seen as a result of delayed justice, but ultimately finds solace in God's ultimate judgment. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Carried, Crime, Deed, Evil, Executed, Filled, Full, Fully, Heart, Hearts, Minds, Punishment, Quickly, Schemes, Sentence, Sons, Speedily, Within, WrongDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 8:11 5360 justice, God
6186 evil scheming
8735 evil, origins of 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 8:11 NIVEcclesiastes 8:11 NLTEcclesiastes 8:11 ESVEcclesiastes 8:11 NASBEcclesiastes 8:11 KJV
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Commentaries
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