The wisdom of King Solomon pierces through the ages with unrelenting clarity: “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) This verse reveals a critical truth about human nature and the importance of swift justice in curbing societal decay. When wrongdoing is not met with prompt and decisive consequences, it emboldens evildoers and undermines the moral fabric of a nation.

Throughout history, societies have thrived or crumbled based on their adherence to justice. Swift and fair punishment not only holds the guilty accountable, but also serves as a deterrent to others. When criminals witness delays in sentencing or endless appeals, they are emboldened to believe they can escape the consequences of their actions. The public, meanwhile, grows disillusioned, questioning whether justice will ever be served. This erosion of trust leads to lawlessness, moral decline and an increase in crime.

America’s criminal justice system, unfortunately, has become a glaring example of Solomon’s warning. Lengthy trials, endless procedural delays and the abuse of appeal processes have created a system where justice is often postponed indefinitely. A murderer can spend decades on death row, and career criminals are granted leniency under the guise of compassion. This leniency only encourages further evil. The result? The hearts of many are set on rebellion, believing there is no accountability for their actions. For over two decades, Nevada has faced persistent delays in executing convicted criminals. In 2021, 64 inmates sat on death row, many for more than 20 years. Despite nine receiving new trials or sentence reviews, they remained in limbo. By June 2024, the number dropped to 51 due to legal challenges, commutations, and inmate deaths … yet executions remain stalled.

For those who doubt the impact of delayed justice, consider the societal fallout. Families of victims endure years of agony, waiting for closure. Communities grow weary and cynical, their faith in the system eroded. Worst of all, potential offenders see delay as an opportunity, leading to a culture of lawlessness. Solomon’s words are not just ancient wisdom, they are a roadmap to preserving order and righteousness in any society.

Swift justice is not just a deterrent to crime; it is a reflection of God’s character. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that God is both just and swift in His judgments. Deuteronomy 25:1-3 commands judges to execute justice promptly to maintain order and fairness. Romans 13:4 reminds us that government is God’s servant to carry out justice against wrongdoers. When the state fails to fulfill this mandate, it sins against God and abandons its responsibility to the people.

The moral clarity of swift justice does not contradict mercy. Justice and mercy are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary. Mercy is for the repentant, while justice is for the unrepentant evildoer. To confuse the two leads to chaos. Delaying punishment out of a misguided sense of compassion results in greater harm to society as a whole. True compassion upholds justice for the innocent and the vulnerable, ensuring that evil does not flourish unchecked.

Call to Action: It is time for our government to reform the criminal justice system to align with the principles of swift and decisive justice. Legislators must prioritize laws that limit excessive delays, streamline trials and curb the abuse of appeals. Judges and prosecutors must be held accountable to ensure that justice is not only done, but done swiftly. Citizens must demand that their elected officials enact reforms that restore public confidence in the rule of law. As Solomon reminds us, delaying justice only encourages evil to flourish. By standing for swift and fair punishment, we not only uphold biblical principles, but also secure a brighter and safer future for our children and communities. Let us act decisively to ensure that justice is no longer delayed and that righteousness prevails in our land.

By Whose Authority?

For more information on my Commentary and to see some of my backup research, or if you wonder why I take the position I take, go to www.LyleBrennan.com.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”