"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.