Ecclesiastes 8:13

But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.

Neither shall he prolong - not a contradiction to . The 'prolonging' of his days there is only seeming, not real. Taking into account his eternal existence, his present days, however seemingly long, are really short. God's delay () exists only in man's short-sighted view. It gives scope to the sinner to repent, or else to fill up his full measure of guilt; and so, in either case, tends to the final vindication of God's ways. It gives exercise to the faith, patience, and perseverance of saints.

Which are as a shadow - (; .)