Approaching the Past, Present & Future with Wisdom

Death & Sorrow Prompt Reflection that Keeps us from Folly

Ecclesiastes 7:2–4 KJV 1900

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Living in Folly Leads to Emptiness & Destruction

Ecclesiastes 7:5–6 KJV 1900

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

They Smirk at the Advice of the Wise

Their Laughter is Turned to Mourning

Wisdom is Based on Truth Rather than the Idealism of Man

Political Corruption should be Avoided

Humanism Views Righteousness as Idealistic

Judgment should be Based on the Truth Rather than Hopelessness

Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 7:10 KJV 1900

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

We often long for the “olden days” because life was better then. However, this verse points out that wickedness, folly, and corruption have always been a part of humanity. It may be more abrasive in its revelation to the moral, but the world has always been corrupt after Adam because sin permeates every society.

Let’s not long for better days. Let’s not look back at more prosperous times. None of this will help us accomplish the task of the Lord for us in this moment in humanity.