It can often seem like the way to get ahead in this world is by doing evil. We may sometimes wonder: Does God see? Does God care? However, Scripture calls us to believe that God really does see, know, and hear. What’s more, He is just.

In chapter 8 of Ecclesiastes, we read that at the core of this life “under the sun” is our need to fear God and obey His commandments. This sort of fear is primarily relational; it’s the Old Testament’s way of saying about the need of “living in right relationship with God.” It does not mean that we cower in fear, like we might before an abusive parent or boss; rather, we realize that God is good. We recognize the depth of His love, as shown by the sacrifice of His Son (Rom. 5:8). We also realize that God is a righteous Judge (Ps. 58:11). If we fear God, we will obey Him (Eccl. 12:13). God does not delight in disciplining us for sin, but He will discipline us for sin because He loves us (Prov. 3:12).

In verse 11 the author of Ecclesiastes points out what we already know—many people don’t fear God, and the lack of immediate punishment encourages some to sin even more, for they think they will get away with their evil. However, the author encourages his readers in verses 12 and 13 with the truth of the matter. Even if a person seems to get away with sin and evil, and even if they “live a long time...it will go better with those who fear God” (v.12). As we navigate this life “under the sun,” we do well to keep at the front of our minds the ultimate reality of the world God created, namely, it is good and right to fear the Lord, to live in right relationship with Him, and to trust Him to do what is just.

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