Why God Delays Punishment

Daily Devotional – Saturday, June 11, 2022
Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NKJV)

Unknown assailants shot and killed a prominent trader and politician. It emerged that the deceased was a suspected organised criminal and drug trafficker. The majority of his hometown residents celebrated his death.

They claimed to have suffered for long from the crimes of the dead man. The criminal and his gang were under the protection of rogue police officers and corrupt judges. The gang operated with impunity.

Because Evil Is Not Punished Speedily

According to King Solomon, “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

That is why the wicked oppress the poor, orphans and the widowed. Others misuse power and privilege to oppress the disadvantaged. Thankfully, in due time, God avenges the oppressed by punishing evil people.

Why God Delays Punishment

Solomon further warns:
“Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But the wicked will not prosper; their days, which are as a shadow, will not be prolonged, because they do not fear God. (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13).

God delays punishment because He wants us to realise our sin and repent, not because He approves of our evil (Romans 2:4). Take advantage of God’s kindness by surrendering to Him today.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You because it shall be well with the righteous despite the wicked appearing to succeed for a moment.