Ecclesiastes 7:2

"It is better to go to. house of mourning than to go to. house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart."

Points To Note:

1 "there is much to be gained by sober reflection on death. Those who do so realize that the same end awaits them, and their hearts are turned from folly. Herein the carpe diem (seize the day) of the Teacher differs from that of the libertine, for whom death is either. subject to be avoided or an incentive to party all the more furiously" (Garrett pp. 318-319). 2. Clearly, Solomon, nowhere in this book advises us to eat, drink and be merry in. reckless and sinful manner. Rather, pleasure is always in the context of the fear of God (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; Ecclesiastes 11:8-10). And this verse discourages the frivolous and worldly type of pleasure or living. 3. Pleasure isn't the ultimate good and the ultimate meaning of life will never be found in doing things that are "fun". 4. This verse is necessary because many people are superficial and would rather avoid the funeral or the sermon and would rather get on to the feast and the light-hearted conversation. 5. The verse definitely rebukes and condemns the individual who walks away from. funeral none the better.

"that is the end of every man" -a truth so obvious and yet one which many people refuse to accept. We should almost feel ashamed that God has to remind human beings of such an elementary truth. It doesn't even take faith to accept such. truth-for it is. fact which is demonstrated every day (Hebrews 9:27).

"the living takes it to heart" -"the living should keep that in mind" (Mof); "and it is. good thing to think about it while there is still time" (Tay). (Psalms 90:12 "So teach us to number our days"). "At any rate, honest men admit that death is inevitable and they are sobered by looking upon the face of. friend who in this life will neither smile or sing again" (Kidwell p. 155). Carefully note that often religious bodies think that fun and games is the ticket to church growth or member involvement. Solomon plainly notes that feasts and lighthearted occasions are not the ticket to moral or spiritual improvement. "It is not time for dwelling on life's brevity or on human limitations….At the house of mourning, on the other hand, the mood is thoughtful and the facts are plain. If we shrug them off, it is our fault: we shall have no better chance of facing them" (Kidner p. 65).

Point To Note:

Unfortunately, even in the religious world funerals are becoming less and less. time for sober reflection. In fact, even many religious people seem to be offended when the preacher dwells on weighty and eternal truths during the funeral. But Solomon says that the house of mourning is exactly the place to be thinking about your soul and eternity.