Ecclesiastes 7:4

“The heart of the wise [is] in the house of mourning, etc.] When his body is not; when it does not suit him to go thither in person, his mind is there, and his thoughts are employed on the useful subjects of the frailty and mortality of human nature, of death, a future judgment, and a world to come; which shows him to be a wise man, and concerned for the best things, even for his eternal happiness in another state; but the heart of fools [is] in the house of mirth; where jovial company is, merry songs are sung, and the cup or glass passes briskly round, and all is gay and brilliant: here the fool desires to be oftener than he is, and when he cannot; which shows the folly of his mind, what a…”

“House of mourning ... house of mirth - These phrases acquire a forcible significance from the Eastern custom of prolonging both festive and mournful celebrations through several days. See Genesis 50:10; Judges 14:17. This verse indicates that a life of enjoyment, does not mean the abandonment of ourselves to pleasures, but the thankful and sober use of the beautiful things which God gives us. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The wise - Are constantly meditating upon serious things. Ecclesiastes 7:6”

“heart: Neh 2:2-5; Isa 53:3, Isa 53:4; Mat 8:14-16; Mar 5:38-43; Luk 7:12, Luk 7:13; Joh 11:31-35 the heart: Sa1 25:36, Sa1 30:16; Sa2 13:28; Kg1 20:16; Isa 21:4; Jer 51:39, Jer 51:57; Dan 5:1-4, Dan 5:30; Hos 7:5; Nah 1:10; Mar 6:21-29 Ecclesiastes 7:5”