John Gill Commentary Ecclesiastes 8:11

"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 (ASV)

Because sentence [against] an evil work is not executed
speedily Any evil work done by magistrates, or others, against which the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, and is threatened with his vengeance; the decree is gone forth, the sentence is passed, God is determined upon punishment; but there is a delay of it, he exercises patience and longsuffering to answer some end of his, both towards his own people and the wicked; as well as to display some of his own perfections; but because so it is, the judgment comes not at once;

therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do
evil ^F14 ; or their "heart is full to do evil"; they have not only a fulness of sin in them naturally as is in every man's heart; but they are filled with resolution, boldness, and courage, to commit sin, promising themselves impunity from the seeming delay of justice; such an abuse do they make of the patience and forbearance of God; they become more and more hardened in sin and bent upon the commission of it.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F14: (er twvel alm) "plenum ad faciendum malum", Pagninus, Montanus; "praegnano ad faciendum malum", Gussetius, p. 469.