Life Isn’t Fair

Have you ever felt like the world is a chaotic kaleidoscope of good and evil? One minute you see an act of incredible kindness, the next, a senseless tragedy. It can be enough to make you throw your hands up in frustration. But Ecclesiastes offers a verse that might just resonate with you:

“I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous person who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked person who prolongs his life in his wickedness.” (Ecclesiastes 7:15).

Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve seen a kind soul struggling financially while someone you know who cuts corners seems to be living large. It’s a confusing reality, and even before I embraced faith, it left me scratching my head.

Here’s the thing: life isn’t a black and white movie. Righteousness and wickedness do coexist, and the good guys don’t always get the happy ending.

That’s where Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, appears to throw us a lifeline: “Do not be excessively righteous, and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be foolish. Why should you die before your time? “ (Ecclesiastes 7:16–17).

Sometimes, good people die young…so don’t be too good. It’s a harsh reality. The wicked can die before their time too. So, what’s the answer? Solomon suggests finding balance. Don’t overdo it in either direction.

“It is good that you grasp one thing while not letting go of the other; for one who fears God comes out with both of them.” (Ecclesiastes 7:18).

Then the reason behind these verses are revealed. He pleas with us not to give up until we grasp this one truth. That before a person knows God-they said don’t go to extremes. Solomon says to not listen to that type of talk!

Give yourself, without reserve, wholly to the fear of God.

“Wisdom strengthens a wise person more than ten rulers who are in a city,” (Ecclesiastes 7:19).

The fear of God gives you a lasting advantage. He is the one who emerges the best of all! Wisdom makes a person strong. Wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes means walking with God.

The wisdom on one man is ten times stronger than the person who does not.

Here’s the kicker: even with faith, we’re not perfect. “Indeed, there is not a righteous person on earth who always does good and does not ever sin. (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

Then, Solomon also warns us not to get too caught up in what others say.

“Also, do not take seriously all the words which are spoken, so that you do not hear your servant cursing you,” (Ecclesiastes 7:21).

Many people are discouraged by the criticism of others, more so than by logical arguments. The Bible teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God. However, it’s also important not to be overly concerned with what others say. Criticism is inevitable, but we shouldn’t let it discourage us.

We’ve all had moments where a careless comment stings. The truth is, most of the time, our words have little impact on those who truly don’t care about growth.

“for you know that even you have cursed others many times as well.” (Ecclesiastes 7:22).

The key takeaway? Life is messy, and sometimes the good guys lose. But fearing God and focusing on living a righteous life are the guiding lights that help us navigate the chaos. In the end, isn’t that a path worth pursuing since Godliness is better than everything else?