Ecclesiastes
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 take it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by a sad countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools. For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 7:2-6
Would you rather go to a birthday party or a funeral? The one marks the beginning of life; the other the end. The one is full of laughter; the other full of tears. Most people would rather be at a party. We like to have fun. Life is full of suffering, sorrow, and sacrifice, so, we like anything that will take our minds off the realities of living.
However, what are the lasting effects of fun and laughter? Does one go away from a party with a greater understanding of this world and the next? Partygoers may be happy for a brief time, but the realities of life become more burdensome after the echo dies out. So it is that the laughter of a fool is like crackling thorns in a fire. The thorns flare up quickly and die out just as quickly. Those who go to “the house of mirth” find a time of laughter, but it lasts only as long as the party. Trying to find joy in fun and games is a fool’s quest. The joy is shallow and fleeting.
However, in the house of mourning, the heart is made better. Lasting, beneficial lessons are to be learned at a Christian funeral. There we hear of the salvation that Jesus earned for all sinners. We learn that we are forgiven and declared righteous for His sake. There is joy at such an event: joy in knowing that the departed is with Jesus and that the same glory is waiting for us. Such joy lasts forever.
“Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
O Lord, grant us your blessed assurance. In Jesus name. Amen.