11 When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people's hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 8:11

King James Version

11 Because 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.

English Standard Version

11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.

The Message

11 ecause the sentence against evil deeds is so long in coming, people in general think they can get by with murder.

New King James Version

11 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.

New Living Translation

11 When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:11

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:9-13

(Read Ecclesiastes 8:9-13)

Solomon observed, that many a time one man rules over another to his hurt, and that prosperity hardens them in their wickedness. Sinners herein deceive themselves. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. A good man's days have some substance; he lives to a good purpose: a wicked man's days are all as a shadow, empty and worthless. Let us pray that we may view eternal things as near, real, and all-important.

12 Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 8:12

King James Version

12 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:

English Standard Version

12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him.

The Message

12 Even though a person sins and gets by with it hundreds of times throughout a long life, I'm still convinced that the good life is reserved for the person who fears God, who lives reverently in his presence,

New King James Version

12 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.

New Living Translation

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.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:12

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:9-13

(Read Ecclesiastes 8:9-13)

Solomon observed, that many a time one man rules over another to his hurt, and that prosperity hardens them in their wickedness. Sinners herein deceive themselves. Vengeance comes slowly, but it comes surely. A good man's days have some substance; he lives to a good purpose: a wicked man's days are all as a shadow, empty and worthless. Let us pray that we may view eternal things as near, real, and all-important.