There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth—the Preacher returns to his key term 'hevel' (הֶבֶל, vanity/vapor), now applying it to moral incoherence in providence. What follows describes specific frustration: retribution seems inverted.
Just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous—the righteous experience what wickedness deserves (suffering, loss), while the wicked receive what righteousness merits (blessing, prosperity). This moral inversion appears absurd 'under the sun'—within temporal, earthbound perspective lacking eternal judgment. The Preacher doesn't explain away this reality but honestly names it as 'vanity,' driving readers toward faith that transcends present observation. Final justice awaits eschatological judgment when inversions are corrected (12:14; Revelation 20:11-15).
Historical Context
This theme pervades biblical wisdom: Job suffered despite righteousness while his false comforters prospered; Asaph nearly lost faith observing wicked people's prosperity and righteous people's affliction (Psalm 73:2-14); Jeremiah questioned why the wicked prosper (Jeremiah 12:1); Habakkuk struggled with God using wicked Babylon to judge less-wicked Judah (Habakkuk 1:12-17). Post-exilic Judaism faced this acutely: faithful remnant endured hardship while surrounding nations flourished. Jesus himself—perfectly righteous—suffered criminal execution while his accusers prospered temporarily. Early Christians suffered martyrdom while persecutors advanced politically. Church history confirms the pattern: faithful believers often experience suffering while ungodly oppressors flourish temporally. This verse validates honest acknowledgment of moral incoherence within history while maintaining faith in ultimate justice.
Questions for Reflection
How do you respond emotionally and spiritually when you observe righteous people suffering while wicked people prosper?
What prevents this observable moral inversion from destroying your faith in God's justice and goodness?
Analysis & Commentary
There is a vanity which is done upon the earth—the Preacher returns to his key term 'hevel' (הֶבֶל, vanity/vapor), now applying it to moral incoherence in providence. What follows describes specific frustration: retribution seems inverted.
Just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous—the righteous experience what wickedness deserves (suffering, loss), while the wicked receive what righteousness merits (blessing, prosperity). This moral inversion appears absurd 'under the sun'—within temporal, earthbound perspective lacking eternal judgment. The Preacher doesn't explain away this reality but honestly names it as 'vanity,' driving readers toward faith that transcends present observation. Final justice awaits eschatological judgment when inversions are corrected (12:14; Revelation 20:11-15).