Sometimes there are random verses that stick out to me while reading my Bible. It is amazing how God can take a verse that I’ve read hundreds of times before and still reveal truths!
“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.” - Ecclesiastes 8:11
I saw this verse and immediately saw its application to parents, leaders, and individual Christians.
For Parents
The Bible tells us how important it is to train up our children in the Lord (Prov. 13:24, 22:6, 29:15; Eph. 6:4).
Be quick to correct your children, be quick to show them mercy and grace, be quick to pray for your kids, but do not make the mistake of believing that disciplining your child is the solution 100% of the time.
Let’s say that your daughter is starting puberty and is experiencing menstrual cramps and raging hormones for the first time. Wouldn’t that be a perfect time to pronounce a sentence of grace? Wouldn’t that be the right time for a mother to talk to her daughter and help her control her emotions during this frustrating time?
We, as parents, often ask God for mercy and grace but how often do we show that same mercy and grace to our children? We want God to swiftly show us mercy. Do we do that for our children?
There is a time for speedy discipline and a time for speedy forgiveness. Which route do you take?
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” - James 1:5
For Leaders
Using the example of a business owner, imagine that one of your employees was doing something that made their co-workers uncomfortable. By not acting swiftly, you are sending the message that your employees do not matter to you.
No matter the course of action that you decide, make sure to execute the sentence promptly for the sake of your employees and your business. You do not want your company’s reputation to be tarnished by your lack of decision. You do not want your valued workers to leave because you, as a leader, failed to act.
For Christians
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” - 1 Corinthians 11:31
The context of this verse is righting a wrong. This is not a verse about salvation. First and Second Corinthians were written to saved believers. The Apostle Paul was stating that it is better for us to discipline ourselves before God disciplines us.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9
If we are quick in our removal of sin, we are quick to restore fellowship with the Lord. Don’t linger in your decision-making. Make haste in “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16) and speedily judge your sin!