Knowing God - Ecclesiastes 7:3

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Frustration is better than laughter,

because a sad face is good for the heart.

Ecclesiastes 7:3

 

Here's an example of why you don't read scripture out of context!!!

 

Do you remember what Ecclesiastes is? It's the final result of living life in a worldly way.

 

As a young man, Solomon asked for wisdom. God granted his request and Solomon lived his life in this way. Many times it served him very well. But ultimately, doing it his-own-wise-way ended in despair.

 

As an old man, Solomon's wisdom led him to a cold and seemingly inevitable conclusion: "death is the destiny of every man ... [therefore] it is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting." And next verse, "frustration is better than laughter."

 

That's the context.

 

Do life in a worldly way, and "mourning," "death," and "frustration" are the end of every man.

 

Thank God that God offers an alternative! Indeed, "thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15:57).

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy who's foolishness is finally paying off

 

(because "the foolishness of God 

is wiser than human wisdom" - 1 Cor 1:25)

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Ya know - my cynicism actually likes that verse ... a good come back for all the "Just be happy." people.  Of course, I know that continued frustration and sadness can lead to true despair and despondency ... not a good combination for anyone.  I want to "have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10