Ecclesiastes 8:13

"But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like. shadow, because he does not fear God."He will not lengthen his days" -"The image of the shadow is appropriate here because as the day ends the shadows gradually lengthen. Thus, the lives of the wicked will not grow longer as they approach the end of their days" (Longman p. 220). Solomon seems to present. paradox about the wicked---for in the same breath he tells of the villain both prolonging and failing to prolong his life (12-13). Solomon might be saying. couple of things: 1. While the wicked man lives long, he fails to really enjoy the life that he has. 2. The wicked often "seem" to be invincible, but often they unexpectedly and quickly come to an end. 3. When it is time for them to die, they can't prolong their life any longer. 4. They might physically prosper due to their sins, but they don't have eternal life (Luke 16:19ff). 5. While the evil man might gain temporary and very limited benefits, he has forfeited true and everlasting life. He has traded an eternity of happiness for. few years of sin. He may have gained. few more days or possessions on this earth, but he forfeited everlasting riches. Hence, he really didn't gain anything.