Ecclesiastes Chapter Seven Series

Ecclesiastes Chapter Seven

Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth.

This verse is tied closely with Ecclesiastes 6:12. Is it in this life that we find that our life has been productive? We may think so – but one can do something near the end of his life that ruins his reputation. Many a men have done great things only to find that at the end of life they do something that is horrendous by which they are then known for. One great sin – if done at the end of one’s life is what their legacy will be. A good name must be carried throughout life.

The day of death reveals the sum total.

The day of a person’s death is better than day of birth – but only if that person has been born again. Let us never forget: “…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) It would be a frightening thing to go to the judgment without knowing Christ.

Kretzmann has said: “At birth a person’s fate is as yet unknown, while on the day of death life with all its vanities lies behind. To the believer particularly death means a deliverance from all evil, (see Philippians 1:23).”

Ecclesiastes 7:2 It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every man, And the living takes it to heart.

Many people avoid thinking or talking about death. They refuse to face death head on and are reluctant to attend funerals. Solomon is not encouraging us to dwell on morbid thoughts – but he knows that it is helpful to think clearly about death. Death reminds us that we still have time to live the rest of our lives for God. We have time to examine the direction of our lives and time to confess our faults and sins. We have time to repent and find forgiveness from God. Because everyone will eventually die – it makes sense to plan ahead to experience God's mercy rather than God’s justice.

Ecclesiastes 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter, For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.

That which truly makes us sad can be a good thing although we may not see it at the time. Are there not times when pain and sorrow can cause us to draw closer to God? The conviction of our sin can cause us to seek a savior. That is a good thing.

Utley has said of this verse: “The author is not condemning happiness. Just the opposite, he is advocating an appropriate peace and contentment that is not based on temporal circumstances alone.”

Jesus said: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

If we mourn over our sinful condition – it is a good thing.

Ecclesiastes 7:4 The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.

The grave can be a great teacher. In a culture that seeks pleasure in the present we must remember there is a world beyond this world. It is appointed for all to die once and then there is a judgment. We must never forget this. It is not that we should live lives that are morbid – but the reality is that we all are destined to stand before a judgment seat. We cannot afford to live a life that ignores the day which is to come – no matter how much pleasure we have in the present.

Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools.

The World English Bible says it this way: “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.” To hear the words of rebuke may be painful for the moment but the song of fools can have eternal consequences.

Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” I do not know anyone who cannot use correction from time to time. A wise person can see beyond the superficial issues and get to the heart of the matter. Almost any one will give you advice – the first question to ask is: “Is this person speaking words of wisdom?” The second question to ask is: “How do the words line up with scripture?”

Listening to the song of the fools does not help us when we deal with grief and death. The fool does not talk about the judgment and the world beyond, and if he does, it is to make fun of them.