Definition: And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this [is] also vanity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 8:10. It’s a pretty thought-provoking statement about life and its ultimate fate. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the consequences of wickedness – and specifically, how it can lead to being forgotten or lost. It suggests that focusing on things that are bad and destructive ultimately doesn’t bring lasting happiness or meaning. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And so I saw…” : This is a description of the speaker's observation – they witnessed something unpleasant happening. “…the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy…” : "Wicked" refers to people who have done wrong or acted immorally. "Came and gone" means they were present for a time but then left. “The place of the holy” is a reference to something sacred, beautiful, or ideal – probably referring to God's creation or a state of perfection. “…and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done…” : This is the key part. The wicked are buried and forgotten within a bustling, busy, and worldly place – a city. It’s like someone who doesn’t care about God or doing good things gets lost amidst all the noise and activity of human life. “this [is] also vanity.” : This is the concluding thought. The verse says that focusing on these things – the wicked – ultimately leads to a sense of emptiness, sadness, and lack of true fulfillment. It’s like a beautiful building that crumbles because it's not built with a solid foundation or purpose. So, what does it mean? The verse is saying that: Our actions have consequences: Doing wrong doesn’t necessarily bring lasting good. Focusing on fleeting things isn’t satisfying: Trying to chase pleasure, wealth, or status after doing bad things will ultimately leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled. True meaning comes from God’s creation and purpose: The verse suggests that the true value of life – the beauty, goodness, and order of the world – comes from recognizing and striving to live in accordance with God's plan and values. In a nutshell, it’s a warning against prioritizing things that are fleeting and ultimately meaningless. Does this apply to us ? That’s a big question, and theologians have debated this for centuries. Some people interpret it as a call to repentance – to actively seek forgiveness and live a life of righteousness. Others see it as a reminder to focus on spiritual growth and living a life that honors God. Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might be saying about our relationship with the world?