"The Problem of Injustice" (Ecclesiastes 3:16–22)

"The Problem of Injustice" (Ecclesiastes 3:16–22)

A Bible Study of Ecclesiastes

Pastor Cameron Jungels

Eastside Baptist Church

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

A Problem Observed (Ecclesiastes 3:16)

Ecclesiastes 3:16 NIV

16 And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there.

What is the problem?

• The presence of injustice in the world.
• Living righteously is supposed to lead to blessing, and living wickedly is supposed to lead to judgment.

Two Potential Solutions (Ecclesiastes 3:17–21)

Potential Solution # 1: Justice Delayed (Ecclesiastes 3:17)

Ecclesiastes 3:17 NIV

17 I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.”

If Justice is Delayed…

• The wicked will eventually be held accountable by God and will be punished.
  • It could be delayed until later in this life.
  • It could be delayed until a judgment after death.

Potential Solution # 2: Justice Denied (Ecclesiastes 3:18–21)

Ecclesiastes 3:18–21 NIV

18 I also said to myself, “As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. 19 Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. 20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”

If There Is No Justice…

• The wicked will get away with it and never be held accountable.
• If this is the case, then what advantage is there in being a human being over an animal?
• Because death is our common fate.

Ecclesiastes 3:20–21 NIV

20 All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows if the human spirit rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?”

Provisional Advice (Ecclesiastes 3:22)

Ecclesiastes 3:22 NIV

22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?

• Death is coming, whether you are righteous or wicked, whether you are a person or an animal.
• Enjoy the life God has given you and make the most of the time and opportunities you have.
• Live in light of future judgment.