Some Wise Words From King Solomon

Laural Grove Cemetery in Totowa, NJ

In the Old Testament Book Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (who I believe is really King Solomon) teaches us some vital wisdom regarding life and death.  He says this in chapter 7, verses 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.

Here we learn that there is more value added to some one's life when they attend a funeral (Ecclesiastes 7:1) than when they go to a party or a celebration (Ecclesiastes 7:2,4).  What is the value added?  The value added is that the living will realize the reality that death is certain and is coming to them in due time.  Partying ("house of mirth") only adds forgetfulness of troubles, and the birth of a baby brings joy ("day of birth")--but both fail in comparison to give the wisdom ("heart of the wise") of being prepared for death and eternity ("the living will lay it to heart").  With this passage in mind, let me ask you a question, "How wise are you in preparing for your end here in this life?

When I was at the above cemetery in Totowa, NJ this past winter conducting my grandfather's funeral, I saw tombstones as far as the eye can see.  Seeing these tombstones brought home the reality of Ecclesiastes 7:1-4.  Some of the people buried were ready for death, others were not. Regardless if the people were ready or not, death came--and then it was too late for them.  This reality is a perfect example of what the Bible states in Hebrews 9:27 that it is appointed to man once to die, and then the judgment.  Death is appointed by God for all people.  If fact Psalm 139:16 says:

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

God knows the days that were formed for each one of us.  God knows how we will end this life.  God knows everything about us.  The question is do you and I understand everything that God wants us to know about Himself so that we can be ready for death whenever that day comes?  You may ask, "Well, how can I be ready?"  You can be ready by seeking to understand what God has already spoken in His Word, the Bible.

What does God say in His Word?  Well lets start back at Hebrews 9:27.  In this verse, not only does this verse mention a day of death being appointed for everyone, but also mentions something else for everyone: judgment.  What is this judgment you may ask?  The word here for judgment is a general word that includes both Christians (2 Corinthians 5:10) and non-Christians alike (Revelation 20:11-15).  Every person who has lived, lives now, and will live will face judgment.  The difference between the people are some are judged according to their works after they have had their sins forgiven (2 Corinthians 5:10), the other by their works alone (Revelation 20:12).  The ones who stand before the Lord forgiven will be at a seat of judgment that focuses on what kind of eternal rewards they will receive for how they lived for Christ after salvation; the ones who stand before the Great White Throne Judgment will be judged according to their works and receive eternal judgment.  John MacArthur in his notes on the judgment for the unsaved from his study Bible says this,

Their thoughts (Luke 8:17; Rom. 2:16), words (Matt. 12:37), and actions (Matt. 16:27) will be compared to God’s perfect, holy standard (Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet. 1:15–16) and will be found wanting (Rom. 3:23).

Isn't that a sobering reality?  Isn't this why the Preacher of Ecclesiastes 7 reminds us of the wisdom of being ready for the day of death?  No person can hope to reach heaven somehow by way of their works because all of us have sinned against God's perfect commands (Romans 3:10).  This sin started in the Garden of Eden by Adam (Romans 5:12), bringing sin, separation from God, suffering, death, and judgment to all who would be born after him.  But fortunately, God in His Wisdom, made a way that you and I do not have to face death condemned before God for our sin against Him.  God made a way for forgiveness through His Son, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,  who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1Timothy 2:5-6.

The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ, who being God (Philippians 2:6; 1 Timothy 1:1), became a man for the express purpose to purchase us salvation from sin.  Jesus Christ purchased us by shedding His blood as payment for our sin on the cross and taking on our behalf the punishment for our sin (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Peter 2:24).  Why did Christ do this?  He did this because He loves us (John 3:16)!  Since Jesus Christ is alive, so all who come to the Lord and ask for forgiveness is given eternal life (John 3:36; Ephesians 2:8-9).

So, are you ready for death?  My grandfather was ready.  I am ready.  You too can be ready for death by taking heed to the Word of God, letting it work in your heart.  If you want to be ready, just admit to God your sins against Him, believe on Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross was also for you, and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and God.  

If you have any further questions about salvation from sin, search my blog under the words sin, salvation.

Rev. Steve
Psalm 119:89