Ecclesiastes 4:2-3

[Hotel]

"So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun."

 

[FuneralCry]

I'd personally certainly always prefer to not exist as after all there are no disadvantages to being eternally unable to suffer but those who never exist certainly are the most fortunate to me, I wish I stayed permanently unaware of something so futile and torturous as existence more than anything.

 

[JealousOfTheElderly]

I am not religious but I read the entire chapter for context (in contemporary English because I hate "biblespeak").
Very interesting passage. Yes, with all the suffering and misery in this disgusting world, the dead are better off than the living. And, those who have never been born are better off than anyone else, because they have never seen the terrible things that happen.

Sigh.

 

[davidtorez]

Best passage in all the bible

 

[let.me.let.go87]

Wtf. I'm basically to the point of atheism now. But I was raised independent baptist. You know, the bad baptists. The god hates f@gs baptists. The ones who picketed MJs funeral? I didn't have a choice in that matter. Anyways I converted to LDS aka Mormon. They were nice ppl. Just brainwashed. Then I realized it's all a sham. But I never heard this. It makes so much fucking sense tho

 

[ultrasharpy123456]

I mean.

 

[Heavy Rain]

Wtf. I'm basically to the point of atheism now. But I was raised independent baptist. You know, the bad baptists. The god hates f@gs baptists. The ones who picketed MJs funeral? I didn't have a choice in that matter. Anyways I converted to LDS aka Mormon. They were nice ppl. Just brainwashed. Then I realized it's all a sham. But I never heard this. It makes so much fucking sense tho

Any "Christian" claiming that "God hates fags" don't understand the bible at all

 

[Placo]

"So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun."

I read the whole chapter and then it even says "woe to those who are alone", considering that many here are alone or feel alone I would say that is a cold shower.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes 4&version=NIV

 

[Forever Sleep]

And that's in the bible? Sorry- haven't read much of it... Why did God create life then- if they're so all knowing?

 

[Heavy Rain]

And that's in the bible? Sorry- haven't read much of it... Why did God create life then- if they're so all knowing?

(Thanks AI)

Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 is a thought-provoking passage that requires careful consideration within the broader context of the book. Let's explore why it's essential to read these verses in context.

1. Context Matters:
   • The book of Ecclesiastes, attributed to King Solomon, grapples with the complexities of human existence, the search for meaning, and the fleeting nature of life. It's a philosophical reflection rather than a straightforward set of rules.
   • Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 is part of a larger discourse on oppression, injustice, and the hardships faced by people. The Preacher observes that sometimes the dead seem better off than the living, especially when life is filled with suffering.
2. The Tension Between Despair and Hope:
   • In verse 3, the Preacher acknowledges the difficulties of the present life. Without considering an afterlife, life can indeed appear futile due to its uncertainties and calamities.
   • However, this passage doesn't endorse the idea that it's better never to be born. Instead, it highlights the tension between despair and hope. The Preacher grapples with life's hardships while recognizing the value of existence.
3. A Broader Message:
   • Ecclesiastes doesn't stop here. Throughout the book, the Preacher explores various aspects of life—work, pleasure, wisdom, and relationships. Ultimately, the book points us toward God, emphasizing that true meaning lies beyond the temporal.
   • The Bible as a whole doesn't advocate for nonexistence. Instead, it encourages us to find contentment, trust in God's purposes, and seek eternal significance.

In summary, Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 reminds us of life's challenges but doesn't conclude that existence is inherently negative. It invites us to ponder deeper questions and consider the eternal perspective.

 

[pthnrdnojvsc]

"So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun."

That's basic pro-mortalism.
"Every human and other sentient creature is better off not existing than being alive ". I agree. For one thing a creature that is alive could suffer unbearable pain at any moment while a dead / non-existent creature cannot. And for no reason because life is meaningless suffering

I'm not religious but I agree with that statement in the Bible and how Samson committed suicide.

Ancient primitive pe-science people 1000's of years ago figured out life is bad . Some greek , Roman , stoic philosophers too. Also Buddha said life is suffering. Shakespeare , many others .

Imo all this is censored now to keep the slaves in the prison.. 99.9999999% of what we see is how " life is good important amazing sacred " etc.

The only thing that has zero suffering zero pain zero problems is non-existence forever. Any kind of sentient or conscience life and there is the probability of being entrapped into the most unbearable pain, the worst nightmare

Life is the worst function in the universe . DNA based Life has tortured trillions of sentient animals and billions of humans. But all we see is how "beautiful life is how beautiful the sunset or nature is". Why is any thing they tell us objectively good or important? It isn't it's all meaningless garbage. Will doing anything they say we have to do matter in 150 years, 1000 years , a trillion years no. As if looking at a dumb sunset is worth the most extreme pain the most extreme torture. That is meaningless garbage all of it is . The only thing that matters is avoiding extreme pain or extreme suffering.

Furthermore life is a chemical reaction that started 4 billion years ago. Life has no meaning no purpose. The thing it does is torture sentien animals including humans for no purpose

 

[Ashu]

"So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun."

Curiously, just a couple of days ago "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die" came back to mind, and since then I've been thinking of rereading Ecclesiastes, among my favorite books of the Jewish Bible.

 

[let.me.let.go87]

Any "Christian" claiming that "God hates fags" don't understand the bible at all

Why do you think I left the religion? I actually agree with this statement. I went thru a lesbian phase when I was younger (thought I was lesbian turned out I was very confused for a couple years) one of my closest friends is trans. My actual best friend is lesbian and one of the most spiritual ppl I know is a gay man. Kinda hard to imagine god would hate gay people when the closest people to god I know happens to be a gay man