“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8-11)
The last thing needed in this day is more anger. Anger especially arises when we are “forced” to go where we don’t want to go. Many today rightfully fear where society is heading. They long for “the good old days.”
The reign of Solomon was certainly better than the reign of his foolish son Rehoboam. Rehoboam was more attuned to the thinking of the younger generation than that of the old men. Sitting in their counsel was ruinous. People had to be angry and frightened by the direction in which their nation was being taken. They no doubt were asking: “Why were the former days better than these?”
Solomon saw no wisdom in longing for some bygone halcyon era. Such wistfulness easily connects to anger towards those who are pulling us forward into a world we dread. What is far wiser is to believe that God still rules in the affairs of mankind. He is steering all things toward the conclusion He desires. “The end of a thing than the beginning thereof.”
We are called to be patient unto the coming of the Lord. He is even now at the door. (James 5:8,9) He uses the wrath of man to praise Him. (Ps. 76:10) Let us not fear man or what he can do to us. Let us not long for a past day. There is a new day on the horizon, better than any day that has ever been on the earth. Look up – your redemption draws nigh!