Do Right Because It’s Right (Ecc 7:15–29)

One of the frustrating and confusing mysteries of life is why those who do wrong sometimes seem to prosper, while those who do good sometimes suffer hardship (7:15). The Preacher’s answer is that fearing God is never a foolish choice (7:16–18). God will punish sin, even if he does not do it immediately. Wise and godly living is a benefit to any person (7:19). Despite our best intentions, each of us is a sinner and in no way perfect (7:20). We are easily offended by what others say of us, but we have often wronged others with our words (7:21–22). Perfection eludes all of us because we are sinful (7:23–24).
Even when we try to do what is right and pursue God in our lives, others may lay traps and try to lure us into evil (7:25–26). It is rare to find a person who is committed to obeying God and pleasing him in all things, and it is even more rare for a person to avoid the snares and temptations around him (7:27–28). God created us to obey him, but we have desired “our own way,” trying to be our own little “gods” (7:29; cf Isa 53:6).
In your life, it may seem difficult or even impossible to do what is right. Others may be trying to trap you or lure you into sin, and you feel like you are constantly beleaguered by temptation. Your own sinful desires rise up and want to disobey God. Your personal failures in the past discourage you and cause you to want to give up. But godly living is not something we pursue for immediate gratification, personal satisfaction, or physical pleasure. Rather, a life lived to God’s glory is a tribute to the longevity of eternity, doing what is right because it’s right.
If you look around and wonder what the benefit here on earth of obeying God is, you may become frustrated and discouraged. We must keep our eyes on our Creator, who commands us to live wisely, and do what is right because it’s right.