◄ Ecclesiastes 8:14 ►
There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.
Study Bible
There is a futility
The Hebrew word for "futility" is "hebel," which is often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness." This term is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the transient and elusive nature of worldly pursuits. In a conservative Christian perspective, this futility points to the fallen state of the world due to sin, where human efforts apart from God often lead to frustration and lack of fulfillment.

that is done on the earth
The phrase "on the earth" grounds the observation in the realm of human experience and history. It reflects the preacher's (Qoheleth's) exploration of life under the sun, a life that is marred by injustice and unpredictability. This earthly perspective contrasts with the divine order and justice that believers anticipate in the eternal kingdom of God.

there are righteous men
"Righteous men" refers to those who live according to God's laws and strive to uphold His commandments. In the Hebrew context, righteousness is closely tied to covenant faithfulness and moral integrity. The presence of righteous individuals in a fallen world highlights the tension between divine justice and human experience.

who get what the actions of the wicked deserve
This phrase underscores the perplexing reality of moral inversion, where the righteous suffer consequences that seem more fitting for the wicked. This inversion challenges the retributive justice expected in a moral universe governed by a just God. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the need for faith in God's ultimate justice.

and there are wicked men
"Wicked men" are those who live in opposition to God's will, often characterized by selfishness, deceit, and immorality. The Hebrew word for "wicked" is "rasha," which conveys a sense of guilt and culpability. The existence of wicked individuals who prosper challenges the simplistic notion of immediate divine retribution.

who get what the actions of the righteous deserve
This phrase highlights the apparent prosperity and success of the wicked, which seems to contradict the moral order. It reflects the age-old question of why the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, a theme explored throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible.

I say that this too is futile
The repetition of "futile" (hebel) emphasizes the preacher's conclusion that such moral inversions are part of the enigmatic and often frustrating nature of life. From a conservative Christian perspective, this acknowledgment of futility points believers to the hope of ultimate justice and restoration in Christ, who will one day set all things right.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. He reflects on the paradoxes and injustices of life.

2. Righteous Men
Individuals who live according to God's laws and principles, yet experience outcomes that seem unjust or contrary to their actions.

3. Wicked Men
Those who live in opposition to God's commands, yet sometimes receive rewards or outcomes that seem undeservedly favorable.

4. Earth
The setting for the observed injustices and paradoxes, representing the human experience and the temporal world.

5. Futility (Hebrew: ?????, hevel)
A key theme in Ecclesiastes, often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness," indicating the transient and perplexing nature of life.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Injustice
Life on earth is marked by apparent injustices where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. This should not surprise us but rather remind us of the fallen state of the world.

The Limitations of Human Understanding
Our perspective is limited, and we may not always understand God's purposes. Trusting in God's sovereignty is essential, even when life seems unfair.

The Call to Faithfulness
Despite the apparent futility, believers are called to remain faithful and righteous, trusting that God will ultimately bring justice.

Eternal Perspective
Focusing on eternal rewards rather than temporary earthly outcomes helps believers navigate the paradoxes of life with hope and perseverance.

Encouragement in Community
Sharing experiences and supporting one another in a faith community can provide encouragement and perspective when facing life's injustices.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "futility" in Ecclesiastes 8:14 challenge or affirm your understanding of justice in the world?

2. In what ways can the experiences of the righteous and the wicked in this verse be seen in today's society?

3. How do the additional scriptures (Psalm 73, Job 21, Romans 8:28, Matthew 5:45) provide a broader biblical context for understanding the themes in Ecclesiastes 8:14?

4. What practical steps can you take to maintain faithfulness and trust in God when faced with apparent injustices in your life?

5. How can you encourage others in your community who are struggling with the seeming futility and injustice of life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 73
This psalm explores the prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous, echoing the themes of injustice and the seeming futility of life.

Job 21
Job questions why the wicked often live prosperous lives while the righteous suffer, paralleling the observations in Ecclesiastes.

Romans 8:28
Offers a New Testament perspective that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, providing hope amidst life's injustices.

Matthew 5:45
Jesus teaches that God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous, highlighting the impartiality of earthly blessings.
Sermons
Apparent Discrepancy Between Character and CircumstancesHomilistEcclesiastes 8:14
The Certainty of RetributionD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 8:12-14
One Way Out of PerplexityJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 8:14, 15
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Deeds, Deserve, Evil, Futility, Happeneth, Happens, Meaningless, Occurs, Ones, Punishment, Purpose, Reward, Righteous, Takes, Vanity, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 8:14

     5360   justice, God
     5864   futility

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 Scripture

Five 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

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