January 27, 2023
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. It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity. Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:1-7) ESV.
As I read (Ecclesiastes 7:1-7) this morning, I was reminded of something my High school hockey coaches once mentioned to me, "Good, better, best – never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best." Both my High school hockey coaches were an inspiration to me then and to this day. Thank you, coach Bill Berger and Bill Murray. I always gave you my very best!
One thing to notice is that the path from good to best always goes through better. Which raises the question, "What is better than good?" If good is not good enough, then “better” better be better than good, or better will not be the best! Solomon shows us three things in (Ecclesiastes 7:1-7) that are "better" than good:
- Reputation is better than riches (v. 1) says, "A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth." How true this is. Everything has its price, and even precious ointment can be bought for enough money, but a reputation is not for sale. A good name cannot be purchased for cash.
- Contemplation is better than celebration (v. 2) tells us, "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." It is a fact of life that we learn more in valleys than on the mountaintops.
- Frankness is better than flattery (v. 5) says, "It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools." Praise is excellent but only polishes; although it is painful, rebuke – constructive criticism – sharpens us. Praise will make you feel better, but rebuke will help us improve.
Friends, these are tough lessons to learn and hard to swallow, but we will be "better" if we do! Would you Pray with me:
Dear Heavenly Father, the world is changing so fast. Every day the media relays tales of those who disregard the law, devise evil, and destroy both people and property. And because of what is happening, fear sometimes rises in my heart — for me, those I love, and people everywhere. Lord, I ask You for Your supernatural protection — both personally and throughout the world. Please station angels around my home and family to guard them against danger. Lead us away from temptation, and help us run from questionable activities or harmful influences. When we are weak, help us look up to You and hold on tightly to the truth that You love us and want the best for us. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
Encouraging Words from John MacArthur: Love and truth must be maintained in perfect balance. Truth is never to be abandoned in the name of love. But love is not to be deposed in the name of truth... Truth without love has no decency; it's just brutality. On the other hand, love without truth has no character; it's just hypocrisy.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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