Solomon (in his days of Wisdom) observed, with the good Holy Spirit’s approval I might add …

“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

Better?

Yes, as far as “learning” life’s major issues is concerned!

The house of “tears, lamentations, sadness,” all are valid synonyms for “mourning.” Times of grief can then (for the Bible Believer) be great educational opportunities! The Psalmist certainly agreed: “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Psalm 119:71

Learning opportunities IF we “lay it to heart.” GIVE it some thought! Ponder death through the eyes of God!

As in Amos 4:12 … “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” As in, using the New Testament now … “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

And the house of “feasting?” Normally not a sin to go there, to eat! In fact, a necessity. Except this particular word for “feasting” (in Hebrew “mishteh”) means a gluttonous “banquet” 10 times and “drink” (as in getting drunk, intoxicated) 5 more times!

Not good!

“The end of all men?” Yes, in the sense of the cessation of earthly life. NOT in respect to Heaven or Hell, eternal realities!

What’s the Holy Spirit saying here?

Think about death, too!

Your eternal destiny!

A sobering thought this morning!

Unless you are like Paul the Apostle … “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

And if you can truly say that in your heart … go and eat your breakfast! Or lunch!

The Christian faith, being “in” Jesus Christ the Lord … not only prepares you for death, for Heaven … but also teaches you how to really live on earth! And existence for the real Believer is (still using Solomon’s words) a “continual feast!” Alluding to Proverbs 15:15.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Wow!

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