[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.
It is better {H2896} to go {H3212} to the house {H1004} of mourning {H60}, than to go {H3212} to the house {H1004} of feasting {H4960}: for {H834} that is the end {H5490} of all men {H120}; and the living {H2416} will lay {H5414} it to his heart {H3820}.
Better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for all are destined to be mourned; the living should lay this to heart.
It is better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting, since death is the end of every man, and the living should take this to heart.
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.
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Psalms 90:12
¶ So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom. -
Deuteronomy 32:29
O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end! -
Deuteronomy 32:46
And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. -
Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: -
1 Peter 4:3
For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: -
1 Peter 4:4
¶ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with [them] to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of [you]: -
Philippians 3:19
Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Ecclesiastes 7:2, penned by "the Preacher" (Qoheleth), offers a profound piece of wisdom contrasting two common human experiences: a funeral and a celebration. It asserts that it is more beneficial to attend a house of mourning than a house of feasting. The reason given is starkly practical: death is the ultimate reality for all people, and observing it compels the living to seriously consider their own mortality and the true priorities of life.
Context
This verse is found within a section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) where the author explores various aspects of wisdom, folly, and the challenges of life under the sun. Having previously discussed the "vanity" of earthly pursuits (Ecclesiastes 1:2), Qoheleth here presents a paradox: that which brings sorrow (death) can be more instructive and ultimately more beneficial than that which brings fleeting joy (feasting). It's a call to sober realism rather than escapism.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew terms for "house of mourning" (בֵּית אֵבֶל, beit evel) and "house of feasting" (בֵּית מִשְׁתֶּה, beit mishteh) clearly denote distinct social and emotional environments. The contrast is between sorrow and joy, solemnity and revelry. The phrase "lay it to his heart" (יָשִׂים אֶל־לִבּוֹ, yasim el-libbo) uses the Hebrew word for "heart" (לֵבָב, levav), which in biblical thought refers not just to emotions but also to the intellect, will, and conscience. Thus, it means to take something deeply to mind, to ponder it seriously, and to allow it to influence one's decisions and character.
Practical Application
Ecclesiastes 7:2 challenges us to embrace moments of solemn reflection rather than constantly seeking distraction or superficial joy. In a world often obsessed with pleasure and avoidance of pain, this verse reminds us that true wisdom comes from confronting the realities of life, especially our own mortality. It encourages us to: