All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his {l} righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

(l) Meaning that cruel tyrants put the godly to death and let the wicked go free.

Wesley's Notes

7:15 All - All sorts of events. My vanity - Since I have come into this vain life. Perisheth - Yea, for his righteousness, which exposes him to the envy, anger, or hatred of wicked men. Wickedness - Notwithstanding all his wickedness.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15. An objection entertained by Solomon

in the days of his vanity-his apostasy (Ec 8:14; Job 21:7).

just . perisheth-(1Ki 21:13). Temporal not eternal death (Joh 10:28). But see on [664]Ec 7:16; "just" is probably a self-justiciary.

wicked . prolongeth-See the antidote to the abuse of this statement in Ec 8:12.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

7:11-22 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yea better. It shelters from the storms and scorching heat of trouble. Wealth will not lengthen out the natural life; but true wisdom will give spiritual life, and strengthen men for services under their sufferings. Let us look upon the disposal of our condition as the work of God, and at last all will appear to have been for the best. In acts of righteousness, be not carried into heats or passions, no, not by a zeal for God. Be not conceited of thine own abilities; nor find fault with every thing, nor busy thyself in other men's matters. Many who will not be wrought upon by the fear of God, and the dread of hell, will avoid sins which ruin their health and estate, and expose to public justice. But those that truly fear God, have but one end to serve, therefore act steadily. If we say we have not sinned, we deceive ourselves. Every true believer is ready to say, God be merciful to me a sinner. Forget not at the same time, that personal righteousness, walking in newness of life, is the only real evidence of an interest by faith in the righteousness of the Redeemer. Wisdom teaches us not to be quick in resenting affronts. Be not desirous to know what people say; if they speak well of thee, it will feed thy pride, if ill, it will stir up thy passion. See that thou approve thyself to God and thine own conscience, and then heed not what men say of thee; it is easier to pass by twenty affronts than to avenge one. When any harm is done to us, examine whether we have not done as bad to others.