“The day of one’s death is better then the day of one’s birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1).
I suppose that most of us would prize birth and abhor death. With a birth there is optimism and anticipation. Death is bleak, depressing and mysterious. So, why did Solomon say that death is better than birth?
First, death brings an end to a life well lived. Solomon noted in Ecclesiastes 7:8 that the “end of a matter is better than its beginning.” In the Parable of the Talents, when the master returned, he noted with two of his slaves that they had done well (Matthew 25:21, 23). Paul looked over his life with satisfaction, knowing he had lived well (2 Timothy 4:8). Obviously, death is not “better” if the life was lived for self, but if it was lived for God, death is a “victory” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Second, death brings rest and the end of suffering. Solomon frequently bemoaned widespread oppression and injustice (Ecclesiastes 3:16; 4:1; 5:8; 7:7). It is a sad state of affairs that men continue to mistreat others. With death, one no longer has to deal with mistreatment. Solomon said, “better… is the one… who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 4:3). However, if one is evil, death will be no escape whatsoever (Matthew 10:28), but for the righteous, death brings rest (Hebrews 4:1; Revelation 21:4).
Frequently at funerals there are many tears and much sorrow. Yet, considering Solomon’s words, death can be better than the day of birth.
