Eclesiastés 8:9-13

9 Todo esto he visto, y he puesto mi corazón en toda obra que se hace bajo el sol, cuando el hombre domina a otro hombre para su mal.

10 Y también he visto a los impíos ser sepultados, los que entraban y salían del lugar santo, y que fueron pronto olvidados en la ciudad en que así habían actuado. También esto es vanidad.

11 Como la sentencia contra una mala obra no se ejecuta enseguida, por eso el corazón de los hijos de los hombres está en ellos entregado enteramente a hacer el mal.

12 Aunque el pecador haga el mal cien veces y alargue su vida, con todo, yo sé que les irá bien a los que temen a Dios, a los que temen ante su presencia.

13 Pero no le irá bien al impío, ni alargará sus días como una sombra, porque no teme ante la presencia de Dios.

Eclesiastés 8:9-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES 8

The preacher begins this chapter with the praise of wisdom, from its excellency and usefulness, Ec 8:1; and advises men, if they would live quietly and comfortably, to honour and obey the king that rules over them, and not be rebellious against him, since he has great power and authority, Ec 8:2-5; and not be anxious about things to come, since there is a set time for everything, and future things cannot be known nor frustrated; and, particularly, there is no avoiding the hour and stroke of death, Ec 8:6-8; Though there are times wherein wicked men rule over others, it is to their own hurt, and they must die; and though they may be pompously buried, yet are soon forgotten, Ec 8:9,10; and the reason of their insolence is the delay of justice; yet there will come a time when it shall be well with them that fear God, and ill with the wicked, though they may live long in wickedness; and for the present it may befall good then what wicked men deserve, and wicked men may have that which might, be thought more proper for good men, Ec 8:11-14; wherefore this should give no uneasiness; but men should cheerfully and freely enjoy what they have with thankfulness, there being nothing better than that under the sun, Ec 8:15; and the chapter is concluded with observing the unsearchableness of divine Providence, Ec 5:16,17.