Ecc. 6,7

Why would Solomon make this statement? “Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.” [Ecc. 7:3 TLB] The theme of the first five verses of Ecclesiastes 7 is that suffering and sorrow benefit us more than the good times.

James says, “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence.” [James 1:2-4 JB Phillips]

Paul says, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” [Phil. 1:29]

We are grateful for the good times, but we GROW in the hard times.