I Also Know

12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before him. Ecclesiastes 8:12

The Teacher watches people commit wrong after wrong and still live long lives. He sees that the wicked don't always face consequences when we expect them to, and in the next verses he admits that righteous people sometimes get what the wicked deserve.

Yet in the middle of that mess comes a steady turn: “I also know.”

He knows life is often unfair. Still, he remains convinced that fearing God matters.

I need that reminder because I see things in this world I cannot explain. I do not always understand why the wicked prosper or why people who love God suffer deeply. And I don’t have to question whether faithfulness is worthwhile when it seems fruitless.

Jesus Himself suffered at the hands of the wicked. His death looked like their victory. But Friday was only part of the story.

Father, when what I see unsettles what I believe, keep me honest. Help me hold my questions before You without losing heart, confident that You get the final word.