Today’s wisdom comes from Ecclesiastes 7:10:
“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is unwise of you to ask about this.”
The verse does not mean we should never reminisce about the good old days. Reflecting on great experiences can be enjoyable and meaningful. Ecclesiastes is cautioning against constantly declaring that the past was better than the present.
Yes, today might be a hard day, but if you retreat into the past, you won’t address today’s reality.
Spending too much time looking back idealizes the past and distorts your memory. Remember the saying, “Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.” Another fitting quote is, “Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.”
Here are some reasons why it’s not wise to dwell on the past:
- It prevents you from dealing with current problems.
- It makes you think that all your good times are behind you.
- It stops you from finding today’s lessons, whether good or bad. Remember, history only repeats itself if you don’t learn from it.
Any day can become a “good old day” if you have the faith to see it that way. Today, you can create new memories and connections, like picking up the phone and talking to someone, which you might look back on fondly in the future.
I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.