“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.” Simple enough verse that leaves many questions to consider.
Why do people ask open-ended questions? No one expects this question to be answered. Even when they receive an exact answer it is not what they want to hear. In fact, this open-ended question is not meant to be answered.
No one who asks, “Why were the old days better than these?” really wants this question answered. Rather, they are expressing two points; the old days were better and they are not happy with their life. The first point “the old days were better” does not really matter to them.
So then self-examination questions that need to be asked and answered are:
Were the old days really better? What do you miss about the past? Why are you unhappy? What changes can and should you do? Why remain a stick in the mud? Is the problem really external or is it in you?
Solomon says that it is not wise to ask, “Why were the old days better than these?” because living in the past is unhealthy and unwise. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) Make a decision right now to change your attitude and perspective.
