It is better to enter a house of mourning than a house of feasting
This phrase emphasizes the value of reflection and introspection over mere celebration. In ancient Near Eastern culture, mourning was a communal event, often involving the entire community. It provided an opportunity for individuals to contemplate the brevity and fragility of life. In contrast, feasting was associated with joy and celebration, often leading to indulgence and distraction from life's deeper questions. The Bible frequently contrasts wisdom and folly, with wisdom often found in somber reflection (Proverbs 14:13). Jesus Himself attended both weddings and funerals, but His teachings often pointed to the deeper truths revealed in times of sorrow (John 11:25).

since death is the end of every man
This phrase underscores the inevitability of death, a universal truth that transcends time and culture. In biblical times, death was a constant presence, with life expectancy much shorter than today. The acknowledgment of death's certainty is a call to live wisely and purposefully. The Bible consistently reminds believers of the transient nature of life (James 4:14) and the importance of preparing for eternity (Hebrews 9:27). This perspective encourages a life lived in alignment with God's will, understanding that earthly life is temporary.

and the living should take this to heart
This final phrase is an exhortation to learn from the reality of mortality. In the biblical context, "taking to heart" implies a deep, internalized understanding that influences one's actions and decisions. The wisdom literature of the Bible, including Ecclesiastes, often calls for a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). This wisdom is not merely intellectual but transformative, leading to a life that honors God and acknowledges human limitations. The call to "take this to heart" is a reminder to live with an eternal perspective, valuing what truly matters in light of life's brevity.

1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom throughout the book.

2. House of Mourning
- Represents places or situations where people are confronted with the reality of death, such as funerals or memorial services.

3. House of Feasting
- Symbolizes places of celebration and joy, such as banquets or parties, where the focus is often on pleasure and enjoyment.

4. Death
- A universal event that marks the end of earthly life, prompting reflection on the meaning and purpose of life.

5. The Living
- Refers to those who are alive and have the opportunity to learn from the realities of life and death.The Value of Reflection
Reflecting on mortality can lead to a deeper understanding of life's purpose and priorities. It encourages us to live wisely and intentionally.

The Reality of Death
Acknowledging death as a certainty helps us to focus on what truly matters, such as our relationship with God and others.

Wisdom in Mourning
Times of mourning can be opportunities for growth and gaining wisdom, as they prompt us to consider the transient nature of life.

Eternal Perspective
By contemplating death, we are reminded to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and readiness for eternity.

Community and Support
Being present in a house of mourning allows us to support others in their grief and to be reminded of the importance of community and compassion.(2) Comparing this verse with Ecclesiastes 2:24, it is plain that the Preacher does not in the latter place recommend reckless enjoyment, but enjoyment tempered by the fear of God, and looking to the end.

Verse 2. - It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting. The thought in the last verse leads to the recollection of the circumstances which accompany the two events therein mentioned - birth and death, feasting and joy, in the first case; sorrow and mourning in the second. In recommending the sober, earnest life, Koheleth teaches that wiser, more enduring lessons are to be learned where grief reigns than in the empty and momentary excitement of mirth and joyousness. The house in question is mourning for a death; and what a long and harrowing business this was is well known (see Deuteronomy 24:8; Ecclus. 22:10; Jeremiah 22:18; Matthew 9:23, etc.). Visits of condolence and periodical pilgrimages to groves of departed relatives were considered duties (John 11:19, 31), and conduced to the growth in the mind of sympathy, seriousness, and the need of preparation for death. The opposite side, the house of carousal, where all that is serious is put away, leading to such scenes as Isaiah denounces (Isaiah 5:11), offers no wise teaching, and produces only selfishness, heartlessness, thoughtlessness. What is said here is no contradiction to what was said in Ecclesiastes 2:24, that there was nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink and enjoy himself. For Koheleth was not speaking of unrestrained sensualism - the surrender of the mind to the pleasures of the body - but of the moderate enjoyment of the good things of life conditioned by the fear of God and love of one's neighbor. This statement is quite compatible with the view that sees a higher purpose and training in the sympathy with sorrow than in participation in reckless frivolity. For that is the end of all men viz. that they will some day be mourned, that their house will be turned into a house of mourning. Vulgate, In illa (dome) enim finis cunctorum admonetur hominum, which is not the sense of the Hebrew. The living will lay it to his heart. He who has witnessed this scene will consider it seriously (Ecclesiastes 9:1), and draw from it profitable conclusions concerning the brevity of life and the proper use to make thereof. We recall the words of Christ, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted;" and "Woe unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep" (Matthew 5:4; Luke 6:25). Schultens gives an Arab proverb which says, "Hearest thou lamentation for the dead, hasten to the spot; art thou called to a banquet, cross not the threshold." The Septuagint thus translates the last clause, Καὶ ὁ ζῶν δώσει ἀγαθὸν εἰς καρδίαν αὐτοῦ "The living will put good into his heart;" the Vulgate paraphrases fairly, Et vivens cogitat quid futurum sit," The living thinks what is to come." "So teach us to number our days," prays the psalmist, "that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).

Parallel Commentaries ...


It is better
ט֞וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to enter
לָלֶ֣כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

a house
בֵּֽית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of mourning
אֵ֗בֶל (’ê·ḇel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 60: Lamentation

than
מִלֶּ֙כֶת֙ (mil·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

a house
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of feasting,
מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה (miš·teh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast

since
בַּאֲשֶׁ֕ר (ba·’ă·šer)
Preposition-b | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

[death]
ה֖וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

[is] the end
ס֣וֹף (sō·wp̄)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5490: A termination

of every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

man,
הָאָדָ֑ם (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

and the living
וְהַחַ֖י (wə·ha·ḥay)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

should take [this]
יִתֵּ֥ן (yit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

heart.
לִבּֽוֹ׃ (lib·bōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:2 It is better to go to (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)