Is Sorrow better than laughter?

Is Sorrow better than laughter?

Scripture:- Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the 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

Ecclesiastes 7:3-4

Observation: In this Scripture, King Solomon observes that sorrow is better than laughter, and sadness good for the heart. He goes on to say that the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning while the heart of fools in the house of laughter. Another famous Proverb comes to mind that seems to contradict this verse at first glance– A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. However, upon deeper reflection, we need to realize that there is a time for everything, a time to mourn and a time to laugh. It is true in general that we should have a happy heart, and laugh easily, and this is good for our health. Nevertheless, there are many times when we need to mourn and it is inappropriate for us to laugh.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus said “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, and blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” If the sinner does not realize his own sorry state and lack of hope, he will never be any closer to salvation, but when he realizes he is lost in his sin and needs a Savior, he is on the threshold of being saved. That’s why the tax collector who beat his chest and exclaimed to God “Have mercy on me a sinner” went home justified before God rather than the Pharisee who thought highly of himself and scorned others.

Likewise, Jesus too mourned and wept at times – when Lazarus died, in the Garden of Gethsemane, and even as He foresaw the future that beheld Jerusalem. I often wondered why Jesus wept when He knew that Lazarus would be raised back to life again. I believe Jesus wept because He felt the pain and sorrow that Mary and Martha were experiencing, and He too feels our pains and sorrows.

At the same time, Jesus was a man of great humor, as could be seen in His parables, and I’m sure He loved to laugh with the little children. Therefore, it is not wrong for us to laugh often and be merry, but to also be given to mourn and weep at times. As Paul writes, the Spirit who intercedes for us groans intensely with words that cannot be expressed. When we pray for the nation, for a family, for an individual, the Spirit may at times cause us to mourn and pray intensely as we pray in the Spirit.

In a preceding verse, Solomon also said “It is 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 lay it to his heart”. At times we attend funerals, and it is good for us to take stock and remember that this is the destiny of all men one day. Hence, we should appreciate life, spend time on the things that really matter, and forgive easily, letting bygones be bygones.

Application:- Be happy usually, but at times, when we need to mourn, we should mourn. Sometimes, we have to mourn with friends who mourn. Sometimes, we need to pray intensely in sorrow for God to move. Every now and then, we need to sober ourselves and reflect on the shortness of life and set our hearts to do the right things, the things that matter, and let go of unforgiveness.

Prayer:- Lord, I thank You that You are the God of laughter, but also the God of sorrows, and You cry with us just as You laugh with us. May my heart be compassionate and given to mourn when it is time to mourn yet always have Your joy deep within my heart. Help me always be aware of the shortness of life, and lead me towards doing the right things, the things that matter, to love others and to forgive those who wronged us. May Your name be praised always. In Jesus name, Amen.