Translation
Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” for you do not inquire concerning this wisely.
Go to footnote numberParaphrase
Refrain from saying, “Why were the good ole days
better than the present?” for when you ask that question you are not acting wisely.
Footnotes
1
This book is largely about learning to deal with present realities that are unpleasant or difficult. If we are focused on today’s hardships and we compare them to yesterday’s happiness we will find tons of proof that things are really bad right now. Solomon is saying, “Don’t do that to yourself, because to do so makes you unwise. Choose the wise course, which is to not play that game at all.”