Ecclesiastes 7:2

[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.

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

  • Mortality and Reality: The verse directly confronts the universal truth that it is appointed unto men once to die. Acknowledging this end is foundational to true wisdom.
  • Sober Reflection vs. Fleeting Pleasure: A house of mourning forces introspection and contemplation of life's brevity and ultimate purpose. In contrast, a house of feasting, while enjoyable, can distract from deeper realities and encourage a focus on transient pleasures.
  • The Value of Wisdom: True wisdom, according to Qoheleth, involves confronting uncomfortable truths and using them to shape one's perspective and actions. It's about gaining a heart of wisdom by numbering our days.
  • Purposeful Living: The phrase "the living will lay it to his heart" emphasizes that understanding the certainty of death should lead to a serious and thoughtful approach to life, prompting a reevaluation of values and priorities.

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:

  • Embrace Humility: Death is the great equalizer, reminding us that all human achievements and earthly possessions are temporary.
  • Prioritize Wisely: By remembering our end, we are better equipped to discern what truly matters in life – our relationship with God, our character, and our eternal destiny, rather than fleeting worldly gains.
  • Live Purposefully: The awareness that life is finite should motivate us to live each day with intention, seeking wisdom and glorifying God, rather than living aimlessly or pursuing empty pleasures. Just as Job acknowledged death as the house appointed for all living, so should we use this truth to shape our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.)

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