Ecclesiastes 7: 10 Commentary

1. There IS a certain romantic nostalgia
a. When we remember the “good old days”
2. And you know what?
a. Perhaps they WERE a time of wine and roses
b. Or maybe because we only choose
c. To remember the GOOD times
3. We SHOULD glory in the work
a. God did in our lives long ago
4. And that is not really a problem
a. For it is GOOD to remember
b. What great things God
c. Has done in our PAST
5. But we need to keep in mind
a. That God is also the God
b. Of the PRESENT
6. And to only think of PAST glories
a. Is MISSING OUT
b. On the great things
c. That God is doing
d. In your life RIGHT NOW
e. And how He will use us TODAY

By Tractorman (wrote 2613 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 9/16/2011 11:16 am

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.

By Hans Werner (wrote 6 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 6/17/2007 02:23 am