In our study of Ecclesiastes chapter seven, we will look at Solomon's conclusions about following the crowds. He compares the wisdom of God to the foolishness of going with the flow.
"A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." NIV translation
Solomon begins with two hard truths that can tell us much about our walk with Christ. When he speaks of a "good name" we probably think about what others think about us and, like perfume, that may make us feel good but often perfume is used to hide an odor. The "good name" that is important is the new name that is ours in Jesus Christ. Are you more worried about how Jesus sees you (good name) or about how the world sees you (perfume)? Most people enjoy their life on the earth and want to stretch it out as long as possible. Solomon reminds us that the day of our death on this earth is much better than the day we were born. Your agreement or disagreement with this statement can reveal a lot about your walk with Christ. What could be better than leaving this earth to go to be with Jesus in heaven?
"It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart." NIV translation
As Christians, should we walk around all sad and miserable? No, that is not what Solomon is saying. He is speaking about the different perspectives of life. There are those that walk through this life with no regard for the end and what happens when we die. They live according to popular opinion and what feels good to them. Solomon is telling us that it is better to keep in mind that we are all going to die and face our Creator.
The sorrow that he speaks of is the sadness at our sin and its effect of separating us from God. This sadness gets us to the place where we can have a change of heart and come to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure." NIV translation
A wise mind lives his life on earth with eternity in mind while the fool lives for today.