Ecclesiastes 7:3

"Sorrow is better than laughter, for when. face is sad. heart may be happy".

Note the expression "may be", we have the choice and power to let sadness and tragedy transform our character (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2). The sorrow under consideration might be in reference to the death of. friend or relative (Ecclesiastes 7:2) and can be used to draw us closer to God or repent of sins which we haven't forsaken. "When one faces the reality of death and the suddenness of judgment before his Creator, he is drawn in his mind to consider his own ways" (Kidwell p. 157). But we live in. time when many people try to avoid sorrow at all cost. Many people seem to prefer the "hectic, empty gaiety of fools" (Kidner p. 65), rather than mature and sober reflection. "Ah, don't worry about it" seems to be the theme song of our time. If we will only cooperate, sorrow can bring many wonderful changes in our lives (Psalms 119:71).