Ecclesiastes 8:11 “Because the 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 reminds us that dealing with disobedience requires discipline on the part of the discipliner. If we let things go too long and continually delay discipline, a person’s heart becomes harder, and others will begin to feel emboldened to commit crimes. I like to use the phrase, “It takes discipline to do discipline.” Hardly ever did a discipline situation come up at an opportune time. Determining the amount/type of discipline is always a challenge as well. Thus, it takes discipline to do discipline. The bottom line is that we who are responsible for imposing discipline, be it a parent, a principal, a prosecuting attorney, a teacher, a coach, a judge, a jury, etc., must remember the lessons and impact of Ecclesiastes 8:11.
Another verse to go along with Ecclesiastes 8:11 that conveys the importance of promptness with discipline is Proverbs 13:24. It says, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him promptly.” This conveys the lesson with Eccl. 8:11 that failure to diligently discipline disobedience opens the door for more disobedience.
How does Ecclesiastes 8:11 apply to you and your present responsibilities?
It takes DISCIPLINE TO DISCIPLINE!
Failure to diligently discipline disobedience opens the door for more disobedience.
Continue Strong, dealing diligently with disobedience,
And remember to DATE the Word