(Lesson #7 in the Series on Ecclesiastes)
Note: Evidently when I did this series I did not cover chapter 6. If you wish to cover it, feel free, or just move on with us to chapter 7.
Sometimes it is good to want something better (Give examples.)
Sometimes it is not so good to want something better (Give examples.)
The key word in this passage is the word "better". Solomon shows us several things which, in his opinion, are better.
THE BETTER TREASURE - Vs. 1a
Reputation is the topic here. The better treasure is a good name. This is more valuable even than precious (and expensive) ointment. Proverbs 22:1, Colossians 4:5, 1 Timothy 3:7
THE BETTER DAY - Vs. 1b
Believe it or not, the second part of this verse is directly related to the first part.
In most cases the day of one's birth is a happy day for parents and grandparents as well as other relatives and friends. But because of the value of a good name the day of one's death can be more valuable that the day of one's birth.
If you and I come to the end of our lives having been born-again we are on our way to Heaven. And, if we have maintained a good testimony, we can be confident that we have pleased the Lord, and will receive rewards from Him. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Solomon is saying that it is better to be in the funeral parlor than the banquet hall!
Death is something that is true for each individual. It is something we all have in common.
Hebrews - "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
When there is death, people who are alive "lay it to heart". They start to reflect and think about their own frailty and the likeliness of their own death. This can lead them to think about eternity and getting ready for it (Romans ). Death makes people realize that they have little time to accomplish in this life. Psalm 90:10,12, Psalm 39:4
THE BETTER EMOTION - Vss. 3-4
There is nothing wrong with laughter. Proverbs , Philippians 4:4, Nehemiah Ecclesiastes 3:1
However you will find more wise men at a funeral and more fools at a party!
THE BETTER SOUND - Vss. 5-6
The sound of a wise rebuke is better than the sound of a foolish song! Galatians 6:1
Vs. 6 - The crackling of thorns as they burn under a pot is very noisy. However, little heat is generated. There is more noise than heat! So it is with the laughter of a fool, there is noise but no substance.
THE BETTER POSITION - Vs. 8a
The better position is that of a good finish. It's nice to start something but it is better to finish it, and finish it well. It is important that a Christian finishes well, and God's power makes it possible. Philippians 1:6,
THE BETTER ATTITUDE (SPIRIT) - Vss. 8a-9
It is better to have a patient attitude than a proud or angry attitude.
THE BETTER DAY - Vs. 10
Solomon is telling us that we should not mourn for the "good old days". I think it was Warren Wiersbe who said "The good old days are a combination of a bad memory and a good imagination."