Silly Old Bear

[PART 10 OF 12]

Solomon continues his quest for meaning, and in doing so uncovers some more frustrations.

“And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment — wickedness was there, in the place of justice — wickedness was there.” (Ecclesiastes 3:16)

“Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed — and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors — and they have no comforter.” (Ecclesiastes 4:1)

Solomon is frustrated, as many of us are, at the injustice and oppression that he sees around him.

It was Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

But Solomon finds some comfort in the realization that “God will bring to judgment the righteous and the wicked” (Ecclesiastes 3:17).

Particularly interesting are Solomon’s comments in Ecclesiastes 5:8 concerning injustice. He is talking about politicians.

“If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.” (Ecclesiastes 5:8)

Basically, there are two ways to interpret this verse.

1. The “Well, Duh!” Version

   “When you see corruption and injustice in the government, don’t be surprised (‘well, duh!’), because the government is a hierarchy, and that hierarchy is made up of politicians.”

2. The “Na-Na-Na-Na-Boo-Boo” Version (which is actually just an extension of the “Well, Duh!” Version)

   “When you see corruption and injustice in the government, don’t be surprised, because the government is made up of politicians. BUT … always remember that GOD is higher than even the highest politician.” (“Na-na-na-na-boo-boo, God is higher than you are!”)

As long as there are human beings on this earth, there will be injustice in the world. As long as governments are run by human beings, there will be corruption in politics. We can, and we should, work to fight against injustice. But we will never rid the world of it.

However, we must also always remember that God is in charge. What happens here is temporary. Even in the midst of injustice, we must stay focused on heaven! Justice will ultimately prevail.

NEXT: “Sorrow and Joy”

No related posts.

This entry was posted by Paul O'Rear on Saturday, October 25th, 2008 at 5:07 PM. If you would like to keep track of Comments on this post left by other Silly Old Bear visitors, you can do so through the RSS 2.0 feed. You are invited to leave a Comment. Pinging is currently not allowed.