10 And likewise I saw the wicked buried, and [a]they returned, and they that came from the holy [b]place, were yet forgotten in the city, where they had done right: this also is vanity.

11 Because sentence against an evil work is not [c]executed speedily, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully set in them to do evil.

12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and God prolongeth his days, yet I know that it shall be well with them that fear the Lord, and do reverence before him.

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 8:10 That is, others as wicked as they.
  2. Ecclesiastes 8:10 They that feared God and worshipped him according as he had appointed.
  3. Ecclesiastes 8:11 Where justice is delayed, there sin reigneth.

10 Then too, I saw the wicked buried(A)—those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise[a] in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless.

11 When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. 12 Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better(B) with those who fear God,(C) who are reverent before him.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 8:10 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint (Aquila); most Hebrew manuscripts and are forgotten