The House of Mourning

I. Text: Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

II. Modern society

A. In a youth oriented, recreational, and hedonistic society, this verse seems blasphemous.

B. Our society is blessed with a good economy, effective and relatively painless health care that allows us to live longer than our ancestors. We do not have to travel by foot or animal for long periods just to leave the area; modern transportation can take us anywhere in the world in a short period of time. We do not have to chop wood for a fire and kill or grow food in order to eat. We do not even have to wash dishes—we just put them in the dishwasher and let it do the rest. An hour of cooking has been reduced to five minutes in the microwave. Women do not have to spend hours at a creek washing clothes but can put them in the washing machine and go about their business.

C. Despite all of these conveniences and blessings, our country has a high rate of depression and suicide.

D. Why are people seeking escape in alcohol and drugs when the life they wish to escape is infinitely easier and more luxurious than the life their ancestors lived?

E. Why do we have so many labor saving devices yet no time to spend with our families, the work of the church, and brood about our lack of time?

F. Perhaps we have tried to live too long in the house of feasting and our gluttony is making us sick.

III. Comparison between the house of mourning and the house of feasting

A. Thoughts

B. In the house of mourning, the thoughts are sober for they reflect on the end of man, the meaning of life, and the importance of living today (7:2).In the house of feasting, the thoughts are vain and futile, there is no thought given to the important things of life, the greatest attention is often given to the most foolish things.

C. Compassion

D. There is much compassion in the house of mourning. Much concern for the ones who are suffering. In the house of feasting, one cannot be burdened with sadness. That person is called a party pooper. They are unwanted because they bring down the celebration.

E. Help

F. In the house of mourning, one can find help to bear his burdens. Many work together to provide for the family. In the house of feasting no one works. Ease is sought.

G. Forgiveness

H. In the house of mourning, there is much forgiveness.

I. Even someone who had animosity for years will mumble an apology over the casket of the deceased. A funeral may cause someone to reconcile with an estranged child or parent before it is too late. In the house of feasting, fronts are constructed to cover malice and envy. There is no forgiveness, only arrogance.

J. Materialism

K. In the house of mourning, material things are put in proper perspective, Eccl. 2:17-21. In the house of feasting, material things are exalted and cherished.

L. Future

M. In the house of mourning, there is sober reflection about one’s future, Eccl. 12:13-14. In the house of feasting, there is no thought for the future except, “Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”

N. Mortality

O. In the house of mourning, one faces his own mortality, Eccl. 9:2-6.

P. We realize that life may end unexpectedly. James 4:13-17.

Q. In the house of feasting, there is a feeling of immortality.

R. Some die during drunken binges or drug overdose. There is a feeling of invulnerability.

S. Vanity of life

T. In the house of mourning, one realizes the vanity of life (Eccl 1:12-14).

U. In the house of feasting, they think that life is one big party.

V. They ignore the vanity of life for a time. Eventually, as did Solomon, they get bored and realize the emptiness of their life.

IV. The house of mourning shatters our illusions

A. In the house of mourning we realize that the world will be destroyed.

B. We realize that all will die and be forgotten by future generations.

C. No one will care who we were or what we did. This should remind us not to compromise our values for passing popularity or acceptance. Though we will be forgotten by man, God will remember us and what we have done.

V. The house of mourning makes us better

A. The instruction and rebuke of a wise man is preferable to a song on the radio.

B. Ecclesiastes 7:5 The song will pass with little effect, but the instruction will build character for an eternity. Yet we will often choose the song over the instruction; choose the path of ease and thoughtlessness over meditation and work.

C. We are made better for the time of reflection

D. The house of mourning means facing the realities of life. The house of feasting means escaping the realities of life. One house will make us ready for judgment; one house will put us in danger in judgment.

E. The house of mourning will lead to more satisfying joy than the house of feasting.

F. The goal at the house of feasting is a good time, yet the most joyful, content life begins at the house of mourning.

G. Although we get perspective at the house of mourning, it is not a permanent residence, we cannot live in sorrow and mourning.

H. The solemn thoughts we have when we visit the house of mourning should enrich our lives.

I. Our encounter with death should help us make the most of every day and every relationship and thus get more satisfaction from life.

J. Those in the house of feasting are eventually bored and dissatisfied with life because their life has no substance. There is no true happiness in the house of feasting, just entertainment.

VI. Eternal destination

A. Our eternity will be in a house of mourning or a house of feasting

B. The Bible pictures heaven as a place of eternal bliss and joy, rejoicing with God. Pain and sorrow are removed. Hell is a place of mourning and sorrow, pain and grief for ignoring God’s word and failing to worship Him.