“Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and His days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:”
(Ecclesiastes 8:12)
The prosperity of the wicked can present a difficult hurdle for our faith. Those in positions of power may abuse their authority and even hurt the innocent without any consequences. And because judgment against evil is not carried out immediately, we tend to conclude that their wickedness will go unpunished.
Yet the delay of judgment does not alter the certainty of God’s government. As this verse in Ecclesiastes tells us, the sinner may do evil a hundred times and His days may be prolonged, but this does not mean that God approves His conduct or has forgotten what he has done. Divine patience must never be mistaken for divine indifference.
This passage assures us, in fact, that “it shall be well with them that fear God.” Our confidence, therefore, does not rest in visible circumstances. The God-fearing may be oppressed while the wicked prosper, threatened while their enemies appear secure, and brought into difficult circumstances while unjust rulers retain their power. Nevertheless, their final welfare is not determined by the strength of men, but by the faithfulness of God.[1]
To fear God is to live consciously in His presence. It is more than a general belief in His existence or speaking reverently about Him. It is to walk with the awareness that every thought, word, decision, and duty is open before His sight. Such fear produces obedience and steadiness. The one who fears God measures their conduct by God’s presence rather than by the opinions of others.
The more we recognize the greatness, authority, and presence of God, the less we concern ourselves with whatever power or prestige one possesses. Wicked men may use their influence against the faithful, but none of them possesses ultimate authority. The fear of God places all human power in its proper perspective.
When enemies rage, the proper response is to take their threats before God. The believers in Acts did not ask that danger be removed. They asked for boldness to stand firm in the faith. Their concern was not first, “Keep us safe,” but “Make us faithful.” Prayer rightly ordered seeks grace to obey God under pressure.
This passage therefore encourages believers to ask for three closely related mercies: a reverent fear of God, freedom from the fear of men, and steadfastness in prayer. The promise that it shall be well with those who fear God gives confidence to these requests. The believer’s safety is not found in favorable circumstances but in walking before the Lord, seeking His help, and remaining faithful regardless of circumstances.
Contemplations:
- Asking You to Teach Me to Fear Before You. I need a deeper sense of Your presence in the ordinary course of my life. Teach me to walk with the knowledge that every thought, choice, word, and duty is open to Your sight. Let this holy fear govern me more than changing circumstances. Fix my heart on Your authority and faithfulness, so that I may live carefully before You whether men approve, oppose, threaten, or ignore me.
- Asking You to Free Me from the Fear of Men. Teach me to remember that You are greater than every ruler, adversary, and threatening voice. The more I fear You, the less I fear others. So help me be willing to obey You even when faithfulness brings criticism, loss, or opposition.
- Asking You for Confidence When Evil Prospers. When I see wickedness continue, I sometimes wonder why judgment is delayed. In such moments, keep me from unbelief. You have said that it shall be well with those who fear You. Let that promise be stronger in my heart than what I can presently see. Teach me to trust Your timing, Your justice, and Your care.
- Asking You to Make Me Faithful in Prayer. Teach me to bring threats, anger, and malice before You instead of allowing fear to dominate my requests. And when I am tempted to pray only for escape, instead help me ask how I may honor You in the trial. Give me boldness to speak truth, wisdom to act rightly, and strength to continue in the work You have given me, trusting the outcome to Your providence.
Prayer (Supplication):
Sovereign Lord, teach me to fear You before whom I continually live. Give me a reverent awareness of Your presence that governs my thoughts, words, decisions, and duties. Keep me from living as though the opinions of men were more important than Your judgment.
When the wicked prosper and evil appears to continue without restraint, strengthen my faith. Do not allow delayed judgment to unsettle my faith in You. Remind me that You remain on the throne and that it shall be well with those who fear You.
Draw me especially to prayer in times of opposition, bringing every threat and difficulty before You. Give me boldness to perform my duty, grace to speak Your truth, and perseverance to continue in obedience when circumstances are difficult.
Keep me from envy when sinners appear to prosper, from fear when enemies appear strong, and from unbelief when relief is delayed. And cause me to rest in the assurance that it shall be well with those who fear You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Psalm 37:11; Prov. 1:33; Isa. 3:10; Prov. 13:21
[1] William Bridge, The Works of William Bridge, vol. 1, (London: Thomas Tegg, 1845) 405.
