For it is not wise to ask such questions
Ecclesiastes 7:10 - If there is one thing to look on fondly on regarding the past, it’s how much wisdom you have gained through your daily walk with God.
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI) using the DALL·E model, based on the description “A man sitting on a bench, staring at a golden-hued memory bubble, while behind him God is pouring blessings into his present day, unnoticed.”
“Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.”
Ecclesiastes 7:10 NIV
Ahhh, the old days. We all seem to have a nostalgic ache for those days. For me, it was growing up in the 1960s, playing in the neighborhood without fear all day and into the evening. I reminisce about the early days of technology more than I probably should (I even write about it on another Substack), I have fond dreams about my first job as an engineer with a natural gas pipeline company, and I long wistfully for the days when I was about 40 pounds lighter than I am now and actually had long hair…
The writer of Ecclesiastes (Solomon) knew better when he wrote “Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For one thing, nostalgia for the old days often masks the truth. In those golden days of the 1960s, we never heard about neighborhood families experiencing abuse from a vindictive father, and we were much more likely to get killed in a car accident or die of some infection that would be diagnosed and treated immediately in the present time.
For many years of our lives, Barb and I were blissfully disdainful of Christianity and openly risked our eternities. Those were not “better days”, and I shudder to think about our fate had we died before coming to the Lord in December of 2006.
We have an innate human tendency to romanticize the past and complain about the present. Commentary from Precept Austin explains why Solomon advises us to “Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?””.
This is the voice of nostalgia mixed with dissatisfaction, reflecting a heart that looks back longingly, but not always accurately. It ignores the goodness of God in the present, the fact that the past had its own flaws and pains and the reality that God’s purposes are ongoing, not stuck in yesterday. Wisdom accepts that God rules over all times—the past, present, and future.
Solomon is telling us that asking the question posed in this verse is foolish! A wise person doesn’t ask questions like these that expose a desire for the past arising from ill-advised comparisons, unhappiness, or plain old fear. Solomon was known for his wisdom, and here he’s providing sound advice that trusting in God’s plan is a better idea than glorifying the past.
Two more gems from Precept Austin:
God isn’t just the God of the past—He is present and active today.
Don’t miss it by longing for yesterday.and
Be present in today. Honor what God is doing right now, even if it’s hard. He is still faithful.
Practice gratitude. (1Th 5:18+) Instead of romanticizing the past, give thanks for current mercies.
Resist unhealthy nostalgia. It’s okay to remember fondly, but don’t let it steal your joy or hope.
Trust God’s unfolding story. The best may be (IS) ahead—not behind (Titus 2:13+). God’s purposes are progressive, not regressive.
Encourage the next generation. Don’t be the voice that says, “It’s not like it used to be.” Be a voice of hope and faith for what God is doing now and next.
If there is one thing to look on fondly on regarding the past, it’s how much wisdom you have gained through your daily walk with God.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank you for this day and the blessings it brings. Help me to focus on the present and not dwell on the past. Teach me to understand that there is no wisdom in longing for the “good old days”, and that I should appreciate the moments I have now and find joy in them. Make me heart more grateful for the blessings I receive from You each day. May I learn to be content with today and recognize the beauty around me. Help me to embrace each moment and make it meaningful. In Jesus’ name, I pray for the strength to live fully in the present and trust in Your plan for my future. AMEN.