Wisdom Addresses the Inequity in Human Government.

Ecclesiastes 8:1-15 is our last set of verses in the third section of this book. These verses tell us how to respond to darkness in government. Ecclesiastes 8:15 sums up the conclusion of the whole section: an exhortation to enjoy life. We should never let inequity in government distract us from living joyfully as Christians.

Instead, we should be remembered as thankful people for the pleasures that God gives us every day (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Admittedly, this is sometimes a daily or hourly task.

Human Government in Scripture

In Genesis 9:6, God instituted human government. Many different forms of government have existed throughout human history. Regardless of the type we live under, our responsibility is to submit to government as long as it doesn't cause us to disobey God and to pray for those people in government, especially that they would come to know Christ. (See Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-18, Titus 3:1, and 1 Timothy 2:1-5.)

Jesus Himself existed wisely under the Roman government at His time on earth (Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:17). The authority of any government has been given by God (John 19:11, Acts 4:27-28). God uses even sinful governments to do His will (Jeremiah 25:8-9). He is eternal and always does right.

Thankfully, all human government will eventually end, and Jesus will rule over all! (See Isaiah 9:6-7 and Revelation 9:11, 15-16).

The Inevitability of Inequity

We will inevitably encounter inequality and injustice in human government simply because humans are sinful. Ecclesiastes 8:1-15 emphasizes the wisdom of one's disposition and lifestyle over one's position and conviction. Most Christians throughout history lived under tyrannical governments, much worse than any opposition we experience today. God's Word tells us how to live and act wisely in the specific culture where He has appointed us to live.

Solomon tells us to live peacefully, righteously, and justly. We will explore this outline in more detail next week.

Application Points

• Do you recognize and submit to government as instituted by God? Do you pray for those who rule or represent you in government?
• Are you known for being thankful? Do you let inequity in government distract you from living joyfully?

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

• See in-text references above.

A Hymn to Encourage: "There Is a Happy Land"

There is a happy land, Far, far away,
Where saints in glory stand, Bright, bright as day.
O how they sweetly sing: Worthy is our Saviour-King!
Loud let his praises ring, Praise, praise for aye.

Come to this happy land, Come, come away;
Why will you doubting stand, Why still delay?
O we shall happy be When, from sin and sorrow free,
Lord, we shall live with thee, Blest, blest for aye.

Bright in that happy land Beams every eye;
Kept by a Father’s hand, Love cannot die.
On, then, to glory run; Be a crown and kingdom won,
And bright above the sun Reign, reign for aye.