Deceptive Appearances from Ecclesiastes 8

Read Ecclesiastes 8:1-17.  

If you were to begin reading Ecclesiastes 1-7 and walk through The Book of Ecclesiastes, here is where the “Preacher” is at — life is hard, and it is heading toward death, but God overrules everything for His purposes. Therefore, grasping this text-driven truth is to lay hold of biblical wisdom.

Within Ecclesiastes 8:1-17, we find ourselves in a section all about the beauty of wisdom. And, to be honest, verses 10-14 can really stop you in your tracks. It’s all about deceptive appearances. In this section, the Preacher identifies a familiar injustice that believers sometimes recognize: good isn't always rewarded with good, nor is bad always punished in this life. 

Does it ever get under your skin when it seems that the evil sin of a person goes unpunished? When it seems “the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily (v.11)? Or when the good, everyday faithfulness isn’t rewarded in the present? If your grappling with this truth, here are several text-driven truths to consider:

First, the Preacher exposes the reality of the human heart in verse 11 as "fully set to do evil." Fueling such evil is the fact that judgment for sin isn't always immediate, it very well may be delayed. But, rest assured, a sin covered on earth is open scandal in heaven. A righteous and holy God sees and will rightly judge in His timing and for His purposes (not in your timing or how you would accomplish it). 

Second, the final outcome for the wicked and for regenerate (saved, born-again) believers has already been determined, even though we cannot yet see it. According to Matthew 13:36-43, the righteous will be rescued and redeemed; the wicked will be judged and experience death and destruction, which is the result of sin. 

Third, you are not the one that is responsible for producing genuine heart change in a person. Ezekiel 36:26-27 teaches us that only God can change the human heart. We should be obedient, but also reminded that we are not omnipotent. 

Fourth, though it may seem like a lost person (one in continual rebellion against God and His Word) has a blessed life and “prolonged days”—it is a deceptive appearance. Their open rebellion has an expiration date. They do not have eternity. We must keep this in mind when the world attempts to allure us. The world is a mirage and the Word is true. 

Lastly, verse 12 reminds us “that it will be well with those who fear God.” We must take God at His Word. Though the world sells freedom and fun, it will be well with those who fear God. Don't trade what is True for what is temporary, deceptive in appearance.

Text-Driven Living

How can text-driven believers seek to live text-driven lives in light of this passage? Do not exchange eternity with God for fleeting pleasure temporarily. Do not fixate on deceptive appearances that attempt to distract, deter, and disguise themselves as satisfying. Do not be discouraged by God’s seemingly delayed judgement. Do not be deceived that everyday faithfulness isn’t worth the cost of holy living.

What are you exchanging for God? What are you chasing? What is eternity costing you?