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"Sorrow is better than laughter"

Text: Ecclesiastes 7:3

NO CONTRADICTION

Sometimes, the Scripture may appear contradictory. We need not be afraid that the Scriptures are inconsistent. There is no error in the Scriptures given to us by God. Indeed, “the law of the LORD is perfect” (Psalm 19:7). What we may see at times would be a matter of application of the truth in different contexts.

“Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.”
Ecclesiastes 7:3

1. The blessings of God to be appreciated (Ecclesiastes 2:26)

a) Wisdom

b) Knowledge

c) Joy

2. “Sorrow is better than laughter”

a) This appears to be a contradiction.

b) There is no contradiction at all.

c) Sorrow and laughter contrasted:

i) They are contrasted.

ii) They are not conflicted.

iii) They are not contradictory.

3. The context of the word “laughter”

a) This is found in “the house of feasting”.

b) It is possible to be overly caught up with “laughter”.

c) Nuances to take note of:

i) Danger of living a frivolous life.

ii) Danger of focussing on the trivial.

4. “For by a sad countenance the heart is made better”

a) A sad countenance

i) This may come about when one goes to a house of mourning.

ii) When we visit a bereaved family, we go away more sober about life.

iii) The sad countenance does not mean tearfulness.

iv) It is used in contrast to “laughter”.

b) The heart

i) When the heart is made wiser it is better off.

ii) A heart that is made wiser will enable a person to live more meaningfully.

iii) Sometimes, sadness has a way of helping a person to improve in a way that laughter cannot.