Ecclesiastes 7:1–14 “What Is Better?”

Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

• Lauren Daigle – Trust In You
• In Christ Alone – Keith & Kristyn Getty, CityAlight
• Good Good Father – Chris Tomlin

Resources for Family Worship (with Children)

• Solomon Asks For Wisdom by Saddleback Kids – Lesson for Younger Kids
• The Book of Proverbs • What It Teaches About Being Good at Life by BibleProject – Lesson for Older Kids
• God Is Good | Cross Culture Norway VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I’m Trusting You | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Jesus, Jesus | Jerusalem Marketplace VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

In this chapter, the Teacher lists short, wisdom sayings. He frequently uses parallel expressions in the form of “A is better than B.” These wisdom sayings may resemble those found in Proverbs, but they carry a strong tone of skepticism.

“Honor” (v. 1) is a paraphrase of “a good name.” “Costly perfume” represents material abundance. The meaning is that being respected by others through a virtuous life is more important than living in material prosperity. The statement “the day of death is more important than the day of birth” is a paraphrase of “the day of death is better than the day of birth.” This reflects the Teacher’s pessimistic view of life. Earlier, he said that the dead are better off than the living, and that it is best never to have been born at all (4:2–3).

“The house of mourning” (v. 2) is a paraphrase of “the house of grief.” By instinct, people prefer places of eating and enjoyment rather than places of mourning. However, eating and enjoyment can lead to indulgence, whereas being with those who mourn reminds us of human limitations and makes us humble. Weeping with those who suffer is physically exhausting, but it brings benefit to the heart (v. 3). The wise prefer to go to places where pain is shared rather than to places of feasting and pleasure (v. 4).

Hearing praise from others is good, but something even better is hearing rebuke (v. 5). Praise blinds us, but rebuke helps us recognize our shortcomings. Foolish people set their hearts on things of no value. They laugh and celebrate when something good happens, but in the end, it amounts to nothing (v. 6).

If one seeks wisdom, one must guard against “greed” and “bribes” (v. 7). When greed takes hold, it leads to foolish words and actions, and craving bribes makes the heart sick. When starting something, one should strive to finish well (v. 8). Pride and anger are other poisons that undermine wisdom (v. 9). Dwelling on the past is also something to beware of (v. 10), because wisdom is more important than money (vv. 11–12).

The wisdom of all wisdom is to acknowledge God and live according to His providence. What God has determined cannot be changed by human beings (v. 13). God “has made the good times as well as the bad times” (v. 14). As humans, we do not know when good times will come or when bad times will arrive. Therefore, we must act appropriately according to the time given. For this reason, the Teacher advises, “When times are good, be happy; but when times are difficult, reflect.”

Meditation:

Living is a process of making choices. Each day, we make countless choices—both big and small. Very few people live without thinking, without any standards, simply drifting along. Most people choose what they believe to be better according to their own criteria. The accumulation of these daily small and large choices shapes a person’s character and destiny. Wisdom is living with the correct standard for making choices. That standard cannot be learned merely through knowledge. It must be acquired through daily choices and decision-making, learning what is truly beneficial.

The Teacher urges us to choose lasting satisfaction over momentary satisfaction. Momentary satisfaction is physical, while lasting satisfaction is related to character. Seeking fine food is the pursuit of momentary satisfaction, but striving to gain good character is the pursuit of lasting satisfaction. Foolish people seek places of eating and enjoyment, while wise people choose to visit those who are grieving and sharing in their pain. The wise listen carefully to rebuke and criticism rather than striving to receive praise from others. When emotions run high, instead of expressing them immediately, they step back and discipline their hearts. The object a wise person guards against most carefully is greed. Those who care about their name remain constantly alert when it comes to money, because being swayed by greed can tarnish one’s name.

Wise people acknowledge God’s absolute sovereignty. They do not strive, by their own strength, to change what He has determined. Nor do they labor to know what will happen in the future. Knowing that the gift package called life contains both good things and bad things, they respond with gratitude and joy when good things are given, and when hardship comes, they humbly examine themselves and reflect.

Prayer:

Is it because we do not fully trust and rely on You, Lord, that we feel anxious and worried about the future? Have we so often made choices based on momentary, physical satisfaction? Is that why our laughter has been like “the crackling of thorns under the pot” (v. 6)? Now, we lay down our hearts and bow our heads before You. Direct our hearts toward what is right and help us live by making wise and faithful choices. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Wisdom means choosing what helps our hearts grow, not just what feels good right now. God invites us to trust Him, make thoughtful choices, and respond faithfully in both good times and hard times.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • What is something you like to choose because it feels fun right away?
  • What is something you choose because it helps you grow?
  • When someone is sad, what is one kind thing you can do for them?
  • When something doesn’t go your way, how can you ask God to help your heart?
    
• Youth:
  • What kinds of choices shape a person’s character over time?
  • Why do you think God allows both good times and hard times in life?
  • How can you practice wisdom when emotions (anger, excitement, fear) feel strong?