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.
11 When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people's hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.
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.
11 ecause the sentence against evil deeds is so long in coming, people in general think they can get by with murder.
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.
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.