Ecclesiastes 28 Trying to Figure It Out Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes (28) Trying to Figure It Out Ecclesiastes 8: 10 -17

About this section • We continue our study of the second half of Ecclesiastes, we are addressing some thoughts about wisdom. • Having addressed, rulers and their subjects, we now find some perplexing things about life. “Life is not fair” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15: 19)

The wicked buried and forgotten (8: 10) • A challenging verse • All will die as has been noted, both good and bad (9: 1 -12) • But there are times the wicked receive an honorable burial and are treated as if they were good. - Consider Biblical history – often the wicked were not honored

The wicked buried and forgotten (8: 10) • When the wicked are honored • Today, preachers will preach the wicked into heaven • While I’m not the judge and believe bodies should be treated with respect, I know better than to put myself in the place of God.

The wicked buried and forgotten (8: 10) • Also noted that when the wicked die, they are soon forgotten, even in the city of their wickedness. • Consider: How often do we fail to remember wickedness and learn? Consider Romans 15: 4, 1 Corinthians 10: 6 ff. We MUST learn from history.

When we delay punishment (8: 11) • Frustrating, but so true • When we fail to deal swiftly with evil, we are creating more evil. • Government ordained for this – Romans 13: 3 -4, 1 Peter 2: 13 -14 • A wicked government calls good evil, and evil good – Isaiah 5: 20

When we delay punishment (8: 11) • Point: Ignored wickedness WILL NOT last. Such will destroy a society or nation. • Why? Therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. The “slap on the wrist” does not stop wickedness

When we delay punishment (8: 11) • Thought: I believe one reason this world is so wicked is because God does not execute vengeance speedily. • However, He has a reason – he is longsuffering (2 Peter 3: 9). Imagine if all punishment was like Nadab & Abihu, Uzzah or Ananias and Saphira • But He CAN and will judge all justly – 2 Thessalonians 1: 6 -9

When we delay punishment (8: 11) • He has entrusted us with the responsibility to praise Him and punish wickedness. Whether government, in the home or in the church. To ignore this will result in the same thing – more evil

A day of reckoning (8: 12 -13) • Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his days • We see in this life how the wicked do often prosper (cf. Psalm 2: 1) • But in the end, who will be ok? 2 Thessalonians 1: 7 – those who fear God

A day of reckoning (8: 12 -13) • It will not be well with the wicked • His days will not last forever (even if prolonged) • Note the difference: Fearing God The righteous fear Him – Eccl. 12: 1314, Hebrews 12: 28 -29 The wicked do not - cf. Romans 3: 18

The vanity of iniquity (8: 14 -15) • A continuation of previous point • Sometimes the just suffer – we are to expect it! 2 Timothy 3: 12, 1 Peter 4: 12 -13, etc. • Sometimes the wicked prosper. • Life sometimes is unfair!

The vanity of iniquity (8: 14 -15) • But even in its unfairness, you can control your attitude! • Enjoy what you have, whether little or much. This ATTITUDE is how you deal with the inequities • We have examples – Paul and Silas Acts 16: 25, Joseph, Daniel, etc.

You cannot outthink God (8: 16 -17) • You can think about what is wrong all day long (and even lose sleep over it) • But what does that accomplish? Jesus tells us not to worry (Matthew 6: 24 -34)

You cannot outthink God (8: 16 -17) • You will never be able to outthink God. • We know so much more now than in times past, but there is so much more we do not know. • You will NOT figure out the work of God, unless He wants you to (1 Corinthians 2: 10 -11) Understand - Isaiah 55: 8 -9, 40: 13, Romans 11: 33 -36, 9: 20

You cannot outthink God (8: 16 -17) • You will never be able to outthink God. • He is still in control! You cannot predict the future. He can! You can make wise judgments and plan, but know life is uncertain!

You cannot outthink God (8: 16 -17) • You will never be able to outthink God. • Think about 2020. At any moment the wicked who are prospering can be brought to nothing. The righteous can be exalted. Things can drastically change. • The wise man realizes he is not in control – 2 Corinthians 5: 7

No matter what happens, will you trust God? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14

Let us pray!