Today Solomon expounds on what happens to the wicked versus what happens to those who fear the Lord 

Ecc 8:12  But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off.

Solomon is remarking on seeing someone who is always doing the wrong thing being rewarded for it.  In this case, they live a long time, and that’s certainly something we can all relate to…seeing someone who is forever up to no good seemingly living the good life.  Perhaps a corrupt politician, a celebrity who is always fooling around on their wife, or just someone at work, who is dishonest yet always gets promoted.  Solomon is saying, that just because someone is always getting up to nasty business, they can still live a long and often prosperous life.  It’s not like they get hit with that bolt of lightening

But more importantly, the second half of that verse: “those who fear God will be better off”. Those who trust in Christ, and repent or set aside their sinful ways are the one’s who will receive the eternal rewards and as Ecclesiastes tells us, will be better off.  

The riches of this life are fading fast but the Kingdom of God is eternal, this should call for some introspective on our parts as well, we should strive to keep that greatest command and Love God with all our heart, soul and mind.  That means all the time, not just for 60 minutes on Sundays.  

So as we find ourselves in the middle of the workweek, let us not to carried away with the cares of the world, and getting carried away by watching good things happen to bad people. As Paul tells us,  we should be straining toward the goal, or putting Christ first.  As the Psalmist in 119 verse 2 says; Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts.  The world will let us down every time but the peace of Christ transcends our worldly worries because He reigns forever!