Ecclesiastes 7:2-5 (KJV)
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Though most of what is found in Ecclesiastes must be read carefully and in context (the preacher frequently projects the cynicism of his worldly years into this book) my gut tells me what we read here is on the money.

Modern man places a premium on happiness, ease and comfort. Unfortunately modern Christianity, at least the American version, does too. I am convinced that joy, contentment and blessing are biblical goals for any Christian. But I don’t necessarily agree with the current tactics many Christians embrace to get them. Hardship, it turns out, is a valid means to blessedness.

Notice in verse three, “by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.” Could it be that the moral climate of our world has been stunted precisely because we have grown too comfortable, too full, and too rich with joy? Could it be that, as our focus has been increasingly upon preventing anyone from suffering, we have produced degeneracy of heart?

I am not calling for a lack of compassion for the hurting but for a greater sacrifice from the comfortable. Only by visiting in the house of the mourning may we better our hearts and improve our character.

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

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Ecclesiastes 7:2-5 (KJV) Make The Heart Better

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