Ecclesiastes 7:10

g. The now is better than the former days. Ecclesiastes 7:10

TEXT 7:10

10

Do not say, Why is it that the former days are better than these? For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 7:10

189.

What would be considered the former days?

190.

Why is it unwise for us to long for the good old days?

PARAPHRASE 7:10

If you wish to be wise, do not be longing for the past and say, The good old days were much better than these days!

COMMENT 7:10

There is undoubtedly more implied in this verse than merely a rebuke of being dissatisfied with the present and the fruitless longing for days gone by. If the conditions of the present time which produce suffering are a result of disobedience and sin, then the present is a time of just retribution. In such a case, it is not wise to question the circumstances of the present or long for the past. There is evidence that Solomon detected three signs of lack of wisdom: impatience, willingness to harbor anger, and a failure to inquire wisely concerning the circumstances of the present.
It is easy to imagine that former days were better than the present time regardless of the age in which one lives. With the passing of time there is the tendency to forget the evil experience of the day-to-day living that constitutes life in every age. Thus, the present appears to be more difficult than what one overhears concerning the joy of past experiences. However, the wise man interprets the present in the light of wisdom. This will enable him to interpret the past and make necessary adjustments to live wisely in the present.

FACT QUESTIONS 7:10

341.

The adverse conditions of the present time may be the result of what?

342.

List the three signs of lack of wisdom noted by Solomon.

343.

Discuss the attitude a wise man has toward his own present age.