13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.
13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
13 But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.
13 and that the evil person will not experience a "good" life. No matter how many days he lives, they'll all be as flat and colorless as a shadow - because he doesn't fear God.
13 But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.
13 The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 8:13
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.