Ecclesiastes 7:17 Commentary and Bible Study

The opposite problem is that of the atheist, who thinks he can do what he likes and cuts himself off from God. In spite of the fact that some wicked individuals live to a great age and appear to face no judgment at all in this life, there are others in Scripture who are notable examples of the principle that sin leads to death – people such as the flood generation (Genesis 7:21), the men of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:25), Nadab and Elihu (Leviticus 10:1-2); Eli’s sons (1 Samuel 3:13). It would be dangerous indeed to assume that we will live a long life and at the same time live in open rebellion before God. The wicked provoke God to punish them and to end their lives, because they ignore God’s longsuffering in letting them continue on earth. That benefit is designed to bring them to repentance, but if they will not respond to his mercy, why should he persist with it?There is a specific blessing promised to those who honour their parents of long life on earth, but if we ignore the condition, then why should we expect the favour of God? The patriarchs considered it a sign of God’s favour if they lived a long life on earth (Genesis 47:9). Scripture teaches us that the normal allotted time for man is threescore and ten (Psalm 90:10) and God may shorten our lives before our allotted time if we ignore his commandments. To be sure there are other reasons why God takes people from the world, connected not with his anger but with his love (Isaiah 57:1) but the warning still applies.