The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of gaiety.
Hmm. Not sure this should be a blanket statement. The books of Wisdom Literature have lots of verses that likely should not be blanket statements. But I have felt exactly like this at times since junior high, watching fools enjoy themselves doing stupid stuff. So it's good the scriptures captured this at least a few times.
Of course, I've watched people marinate in self-pity as well.
Update: It occurred to me this morning is that the wise need not fear mourning, and do not need to seek false gaiety. God is still God. This accords with the Beatitude that they who mourn shall be comforted. It is not that we seek mourning, but do not fear it or avoid it.
Of course self-pity isn't quite the same as being there for somebody else's pain.
ReplyDeleteConsider the Havamal on the same topic:
ReplyDelete54
It is best for man to be middle-wise,
Not over cunning and clever:
The learned man whose lore is deep
Is seldom happy at heart.
55
It is best for man to be middle-wise,
Not over cunning and clever:
The fairest life is led by those
Who are deft at all they do.
56
It is best for man to be middle-wise,
Not over cunning and clever:
No man is able to know his future,
So let him sleep in peace.