A Better Choice

22 August 2021 | TRADITIONAL SERVICE

Rev Michael Tan

Scripture Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:1-12 (NIV)

WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary | In this passage in Ecclesiastes, the phrase “is better than” appears numerous times (vs. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 10). This age-old way of teaching lays out the better choice of two alternatives, in a way that captures one’s attention. This same approach is used 21 times in Proverbs. Jesus, our Master Teacher, also used such comparisons (e.g. Matt. 5:29, 30; 18:6,8,9; 19:10; 26:24; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2; John 11:50, etc.). Many of the New Testament writers similarly used this style of teaching.

Verse 1 compares a good name with a fine perfume. A God-centred person who is affirmed and approved by God is far better than a life centred on man-made things, fleeting in significance and appreciated by some only. “The day of death better than the day of birth” may sound strange as one normally associates birth with joy while death is filled with sorrow. Two common idioms used in Chinese funerals are: 名垂青史 and 千古流芳. Translated “a good name goes down in history” and “a thousand ages of flowing fragrance”, they hint at what is good about death. For believers, death heralds the end of earthly constraints. We have completed our God-given tasks and it is a day of thanksgiving as we are ushered into an endless bliss with God. Is this not better than starting life-long hardship, facing uncertainty and striving for transient gains?

Verse 2 teaches us that through mourning, sorrow and tears, our hearts are softened and awakened to the reality of God. On the other hand, wining and dining numbs our mind to what really matters in life. This is re-emphasized in verses 3 and 4. Frustration and sorrow force us to recognise the brokenness of this life. It is a reality check on our finiteness. The Sermon on the Mount teaches a similar lesson: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4). In our pain, we turn to God, from whom we receive comfort. Laughter refers to those who avoid the realities of life. Living in denial of the world’s brokenness and our need for God, any laughter will be short-lived.

Verse 5 and 6 compares the rebuke of a wise person with the song of fools. The wise carry messages of care and concern from God. May we be humble in accepting wise rebuke, for “blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matt.5:5). Conversely, the laughter and song of fools refer to the flattery, falsehood and fallacy commonly seen in the world.

Verse 7 warns of dangers of bribery and extortion. We are blessed in Singapore that these dangers are not rampant. However, if tempted, pray for courage to stand firm to make the right choice.

Verse 8 compares the end of a matter with its beginning. Through faith in God, we know the outcome lies with Him. Even through hopeless situations, we know God is refining us so that the final product will be as precious as fine gold. Patience is needed to persevere in our trust in God. In contrast, there is human pride and self-confidence when we take matters into our own hands. The result will be disappointment and dire consequences.

Verse 10 does not contain a comparison. We are simply told not to long for the good old days. Do not linger on regrets and lost opportunities. The reasons are given in verses 11 and 12. Though money is useful and needed in this life, there is a danger that love of money will lead us astray. On the other hand, wisdom recognises that God works in all situations. Look forward and not backwards.

Recognise that God is in control of our broken world. Focus on Him daily and make a better choice to trust Him and live a life pleasing to our Creator.

(Sermon Notes by Angela Goh)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How would those who know you well describe you? What legacy would you hope to leave behind? (v.1)

2. In this our day and age, death is still a taboo and morbid subject, even for some Christians. Do you talk about it with others? Why or why not? (v.1-4)

3. Share a personal experience of your being ‘rebuked by a wise person’ and the result of it? (v.5)

4. In your work or business, have you ever been ‘extorted’ by persons in authority demanding from you to bribe them? How did you respond to them? (v.7-9)

5. Share your view of how a ‘healthy’ review and reflection on past experiences and events can have a positive impact on our future? (v.10)