Ecclesiastes 7:4

d. Wisdom is better than folly. Ecclesiastes 7:4

TEXT 7:4

4

The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, while the mind of the fool is in the house of pleasure.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 7:4

180.

What decision does the wise man make?

181.

List the reasons from the first three verses as to why attendance in the house of mourning is a wiser choice than participating in the house of pleasure.

PARAPHRASE 7:4

So the mind of the wise man dwells in the house of mourning while the house of mirth naturally attracts the heart of fools.

COMMENT 7:4

The thesis of this section which reads, It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, has been thoroughly explained and defended. In this summary verse, a final argument is stated. It is noted that the wise man is the one who dwells upon the meaning of life as he faces the reality of death. If one fails to give death its rightful place in the forming of life's decisions, and only pursues the activities of mirth and folly, he is considered a fool.

Death is never far removed from the mind of a Christian. There is an element of wisdom which is characteristic of the followers of Christ that is indeed foolishness to the world. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18-23) We rejoice in the death of Christ for us and also our own death to sin which leads us to daily repentance. (Cf. Romans 6:1-7; Matthew 16:24-25) As one contemplates the cross and the death event of Jesus, the face is sorrowful but the heart is made to rejoice.

FACT QUESTIONS 7:4

327.

What is the final argument as stated in this verse?

328.

When is a man considered a fool?

329.

What two death events should the Christian keep in mind?