Ecclesiastes 7:4 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning - A wise man loves those occasions from which he can derive spiritual advantage; and therefore prefers visiting the sick, and sympathizing with those who have suffered privations by death. But the fool - the gay, thoughtless, and giddy - prefers places and times of diversion and amusement. Here he is prevented from seriously considering either himself or his latter end. The grand fault and misfortune of youth.