A “HEART” CONDITION

Not only does unrighteousness flourish, but wickedness prevails in the very places one expects to see wrongs redressed (16). Are things so very different today? Haven’t we been scandalized by corruption in the highest places—government, the courts and even the church? Haven’t we wondered, “Why doesn’t God do something?” The Teacher reminds himself—and us—that while God’s judgment is certain (“God will”), universal (“both the righteous and the wicked”) and comprehensive (“every deed”), it is scheduled for an indeterminate future time (17). Although the books may not balance now, a divine audit is in the cards down the road! Here is both a promise of justice for the righteous and a warning of justice for the unrighteous.

Corruption in institutions boils down to sinful individuals, but is the Teacher saying that man and beast are no different (18–20)? Both are made of dust. Verse 21 points to a significant difference in man’s final destiny, though a fuller answer to the Teacher’s question comes only later—“the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Eccles. 12:7). The tragedy—resulting in widespread injustice under the sun—is that people choose to live as if such a distinction did not exist, as if their ultimate destiny were no different to that of animals. (This idea is echoed in Psalm 49, as pointed out by Michael Eaton, TOTC: Ecclesiastes, 87.)

We hear repeatedly, “It’s only human to sin,” but is that true? The use of expressions like “animal behavior” or “beastly” to describe grievous acts of wrongdoing reflect an instinctive recognition that sin actually makes us less human, even inhuman. To be less human is a failure to reflect God’s image. To use and enjoy earthly blessings responsibly (22) is to reflect more fully the image of God.

Eternal God, remembering that ”dust to dust” is not my final destiny, help me to live life fully and faithfully, nurturing in my heart a sense of eternity.