Delayed Punishment

Delayed Punishment Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, the hearts of the sons of men are fully set to do evil.

12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his days [seemingly] are prolonged [in his wickedness], yet surely I know that it will be well with those who [reverently] fear God, who revere and worship Him, realizing His continual presence.

13 But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not [reverently] fear and worship God.

Because God does not instantly judge or punish wrongdoing and immoral deeds, people think that they are getting by with doing evil. But the divine law of retribution says, "Be sure your sin will find you out", and "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap". In short, 'No one really gets by with anything, though it may seem that way for now'. There is a day of reckoning, and though that day is delayed, rest assured that it will surely come. This truth is a double-edge sword. For evil doers, it is a warning to prod them to forsake their sinful ways and accept God and His ways. For the righteous, who know the true God through Jesus Christ, delayed punishment means they can be encouraged to remain faithful in worshiping, loving and serving God, and doing good in His name. As surely as the wicked will be punished by God unless they repent, the righteous will be rewarded by God if they remain faithful.