Ecclesiastes 7:2
“It is better to enter a house of mourning than to enter a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.”
Let me give you my own summary of this verse: “A day of pain is a greater blessing for you than a day of joy! This is true because this life ends, and you are left with only the blessings you gathered along the way.”
Look deeper. If you have a great day of feasting, you only learn that you like fun and good food. On a day of difficulty and pain, you learn the lesson of what really matters.
This verse has wisdom. Hard times slow us down. They hush the noise, so we finally hear wisdom. In the rooms of sorrow, we often remember our limits, our loves, and our loyalties. We learn lessons.
Joy has its place, but sorrow can make things clearer. It teaches us to count our days and spend them wisely.
Prayer: Lord, number my days; make me wise, tender, and present.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.