DEATH IS BETTER THAN BIRTH

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 does Solomon say that death is better than birth?

First, death brings an end to a life well lived. Solomon will note later (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 (Matt. 25:21, 23). Paul looked over his life with satisfaction, knowing he had lived well (2 Tim. 4:8). Obviously death is not “better” if the wife was lived for self. But if it was lived for God, death is a “victory” (1 Cor. 15:57).

Second, death brings rest and the end of suffering. Solomon frequently bemoaned widespread oppression and injustice (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 says, “better…is the one…who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun” (4:3). However, if one is evil, death will be no escape whatsoever (Matt. 10:28). But for the righteous, death brings rest (Heb. 4:1; Rev. 21:4).

Frequently at funerals there are many tears and much sorrow. Yet, considering Solomon’s words, this death is better than the day of birth.

–Denny Petrillo