Ecclesiastes 7:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Is it preferable to be in a place filled with grief, tears, wailing, mourning, sorrow, and despair rather than in the company of joy, music, laughter, revelry, indulgence, and intoxication? Yes, according to Solomon. Why is this the case? It is because pride finds its roots in the former while humility takes hold in the latter. One who attends a banquet hosted by someone wealthier than himself will find that his own dwelling no longer brings him joy; he will return to his home feeling dissatisfied, sit at the table with a sense of weariness, and become a burden to his family and all those in his household. The wealth of another highlights his own poverty, leading to not only disappointment but also envy toward the host, often returning home empty-handed.

Attending a funeral is often more beneficial than participating in a celebration, for in the presence of the deceased, we are reminded of our own mortality and human vulnerability. In contrast, while reveling in a banquet, we may lose even the sense of reverence we might have initially possessed. The latter part of the verse is more clearly conveyed by Simmachus, who interprets it as “and he that liveth shall put on his wits.” This suggests that while he seems to endorse food and drink, he does not advocate for pleasure as superior to all else, contrary to some misguided interpretations. Instead, he merely implies that, in comparison to greed and excessive frugality, it is preferable for anyone to utilize their resources, even if only briefly. After all, if one truly values the act of eating and drinking, they would not choose the despair of mourning over the joy of celebration.

To ascend, one must not follow the path of worldly delights, but rather journey through the garden of grief and lamentation. Indeed, Adam ought to have remained in Paradise, yet he was misled by temptation.

It is better to grieve than to celebrate, and to share in the sorrow of those who mourn rather than to join in the festivities of those who indulge. For it is true that one who has completed their journey in this life no longer concerns themselves with earthly matters.

In the presence of sorrow, there is no space for superficial attitudes. In such moments, we hold back expressions of joy and laughter, as misfortune itself precludes their presence. Yet, at times, we may choose to suppress our happiness out of respect for those who are suffering. Conversely, in a setting of celebration, actions like dancing and singing can become inappropriate if they reflect a disordered life. In this context, the 'house' refers to a way of living rather than a physical structure.

The focus of the wise individual should be on the ultimate purpose of life; thus, it is more prudent to remember the fleeting nature and triviality of worldly pleasures than to indulge in misleading delights derived from them. The preacher observes that due to the triviality of earthly matters, everyone must be cautious of dissatisfaction and impatience. When undertaking a task, one should consider it carefully and not confront it with arrogance, for it often concludes better than it starts; therefore, it is wiser to await its resolution with patience. Complaining is the act of those who rebel against God's sovereignty. In contrast, wisdom surpasses material wealth; it grants life to the individual.