Especially when times are difficult, a person may be inclined to view “former days” as having been much better. This may give rise to a longing for the “good old days,” and the question as to why things cannot be as they were then. For one to look nostalgically to the past, however, will not change anything nor help in dealing with problems. Individuals who dwell on the past may make the present more difficult for themselves. While some things may have been better in earlier times, this cannot be said about every aspect of life. The passage of time tends to mute the harsh realities of the past, making the more pleasant features appear to have been even better than they were in actuality. Life in a sinful world has never been ideal but has always been accompanied by problems and troubles.

It is unrealistic for one to look back longingly to “former days” while brooding about the difficulties of the present. Wisdom, or sound judgment, does not promote thought that needlessly contributes to one’s being upset, impatient, irritable, or dissatisfied. A discontented disposition is not the distinguishing attribute of a wise person.

Commentary by Hans Werner
Posted on: 6/17/2007 02:23 am