Ecclesiastes 8

The Preacher reflects on wisdom before rulers, counseling prudence and respect for authority while acknowledging that people wield power to their own hurt. He wrestles with the delay of justice — because sentence is not executed speedily, hearts are set on evil — yet affirms that “it will be well with those who fear God,” even though he cannot fully explain why the righteous sometimes suffer and the wicked prosper. He again commends the enjoyment of life as God’s gift.