The Hidden Power of Suffering | Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

We all do it. We avoid sorrow and chase after joy—celebration, fun, and whatever makes us feel good. So why does Solomon say that sorrow is better than laughter?

Welcome to The Daily. We go through the bible verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, every single day.

Our text today is the second part of Ecclesiastes 7:1-4.

A good name is better than precious ointment,
and the day of death than the day of birth.
It is better to go to the house of mourning
than to go to the house of feasting,
for this is the end of all mankind,
and the living will lay it to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. — Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

Now, Solomon isn’t telling us to enjoy suffering. He’s saying we need to recognize its value. Laughter is temporary. It feels good for a moment, but sorrow? Sorrow makes us stop. It forces us to reflect. When we face hardship, loss, or even the reality of our own mortality, something shifts. We break free from the cycle of just going through the motions. We stop taking life for granted. And we start appreciating what truly matters.

The house of mourning makes us pause. The house of feasting—it can be a distraction. Fun and pleasure aren’t wrong, but if we’re not careful, they can numb us. Solomon warns that the fool stays in the house of mirth (i.e., amusement)—always chasing the next high, never stopping to ask, Where is this leading?

But the wise? They step into the house of mourning. They reflect. They take it to heart. They consider their actions, their legacy, and what life is really about. And here’s the irony—sorrow becomes a tool in God's hands to shape a deeper joy. One that’s not dependent on circumstances but rooted in wisdom and meaning.

Sorrow slows us down so wisdom can catch up.

So let me ask you—are you using entertainment, success, or busyness to avoid life’s deeper questions? Maybe it’s doomscrolling on your phone, binging another show, or staying constantly busy so you don’t have to think.

Maybe… God is calling you to pause, reflect, and grow in wisdom.

#WisdomInSorrow, #Ecclesiastes7, #SpiritualGrowth

ASK THIS:
How have moments of sorrow shaped your faith and priorities?
Are you using entertainment or busyness to avoid deep reflection?
What distractions keep you from facing life’s deeper questions?
How can you embrace wisdom through hardship rather than run from it?
DO THIS:
Take five minutes today to reflect on a recent hardship—ask God what He wants to teach you through it.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, help me to see the value in sorrow and not just chase temporary happiness. Teach me to seek wisdom in every season, even the difficult ones. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
Even When It Hurts.