When you see injustice in the world, do you trust that God will make it right?
Key Verse:
“God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man, for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.” —Ecclesiastes 3:17 NASB
Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 3:1–15, Solomon teaches that God appoints the seasons of life and that everything has its proper time under His authority.
Now in Ecclesiastes 3:16–22, Solomon turns to a difficult reality—injustice. Even in places where righteousness should prevail, wickedness is often found. This raises an important question: if God is in control, why does injustice exist?
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
16Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. 17I said to myself, “God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man,” for a time for every matter and for every deed is there. 18I said to myself concerning the sons of men, “God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts.” 19For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity. 20All go to the same place. All came from the dust and all return to the dust. 21Who knows that the breath of man ascends upward and the breath of the beast descends downward to the earth? 22I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will occur after him?
Reflection on Ecclesiastes 3:16–22:
Solomon observes something troubling.
“In the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.”
This is deeply relatable.
We expect justice in courts, fairness in leadership, and righteousness among people—but instead, we often see corruption, ظلم, and selfishness. Even systems designed for good can become places where wrong prevails.
This can lead to confusion and discouragement.
If God is sovereign over time and seasons, as Solomon just taught, then how do we understand injustice?
Solomon answers with a shift in perspective.
“God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man…”
This is key.
Justice may not always be visible in the moment—but it is not absent. It is delayed.
God has appointed a time not only for seasons of life, but also for judgment. Every act, whether hidden or seen, will be brought into account.
This reminds us that our view is limited.
We see the present.
God sees the whole.
Solomon then reflects on humanity itself. He notes that both man and animals share a similar fate in death—both return to dust. This can feel unsettling, even discouraging.
But this observation is meant to humble us.
It reminds us that life “under the sun,” viewed only from an earthly perspective, can seem temporary and even meaningless. Without God, everything appears to end the same way.
This connects back to earlier themes—when we focus only on what we can see, life feels empty.
But when we include God in the picture, everything changes.
Solomon concludes that we should rejoice in our work and in what God has given us. This is not a dismissal of injustice—it is a recognition that while we wait for God’s final justice, we are called to live faithfully in the present.
We are not in control of everything.
We cannot fix every injustice.
But we can trust the One who will.
This passage calls us to hold two truths at the same time:
Injustice exists now.
God will bring perfect justice in His time.
And in the middle of that tension, we are called to trust Him.
Application:
- Do not be discouraged when you see injustice—God sees it as well.
- Trust that God will bring perfect judgment in His timing.
- Avoid becoming cynical or hardened by the brokenness around you.
- Focus on living faithfully in the season God has given you.
- Place your hope in God’s ultimate justice, not temporary outcomes.
Closing Prayer:
Father, when I see injustice around me, help me to trust in You. Remind me that You are just and that You will bring all things into account in Your perfect timing. Keep my heart from discouragement or bitterness, and help me to live faithfully in the place You have put me. Strengthen my trust in Your justice and Your plan. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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