Man builds his civilisation in the desire for prosperity and order. These can only be achieved if justice is truly served in the world. Unfortunately, in every rolling civilisation there is always an attempt to pervert the law. Making the right wrong, or the wrong right. It depends on whose interests are being promoted. So the dream of justice becomes a hope for the future that continues to be awaited by mankind.
Our reading this time highlights two ancient phenomena that unfortunately still persist today: injustice perpetrated by those in authority (3:16) and oppression by those in power (4:1). In response to these injustices, the preacher makes an eternal petition to God that He alone will judge the righteous and the wicked because there is a time for everything. If humans cannot judge righteously, then God will show His righteousness. Justice, according to the Jewish tradition of understanding, is a central concept in viewing God's relationship with man and man's relationship with his neighbour. Justice and righteousness are attributes of God that can be seen and felt, so His laws are also just and righteous.
Man feels so powerful that he can manipulate truth and justice. In fact, according to the preacher, humans are like animals. Not in the sense of status and existence, but in the similarity of the activities of the animals, especially farm animals who do their work similar to humans whose work, efforts, and labour are also without meaning and purpose. So what man can do is to do the best job he can. If he has the responsibility to judge and enforce the law, then do it well.
Friends of the Bible, let us live by doing everything to the best of our ability. Even though we often struggle to find meaning in what we do. In simple logic, it helps to alleviate struggles and realise justice. Those who have been assigned to adjudicate cases properly, will continue to strive to adjudicate based on truth and justice. This is simply because they are doing their duty and responsibility to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, many people go astray because of their greed and do everything they can to gain an advantage, including by misusing their duties and responsibilities.
