Thank you for the interpretative question on Ecclesiastes 7:10, “What trap does Ecclesiastes 7:10 warn us against?”
As I read Ecclesiastes 7:10, I had to pause and think about this saying by King Solomon. The book of Ecclesiastes is written from a human perspective, not necessary from a God centered perspective.
How should we understand this verse and what are its implication to us. Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration regarding the text: “Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this” (NIV).
A. It is not wise to ask that question for no one can give a totally satisfactory answer why the present is worse than the past.
B. It is not wise to ask that question for it insinuates that God is not actively working in the present as he was in the past. There is a lack of thankfulness to God.
C. It is not wise to ask that question for the circumstances of the past may not be as one imagine or have forgotten what it was really like. To bring up the past may drag up unpleasant memories or feelings. There is selective memory of the past.
D. It is not wise to ask that question for it denies living in the present and dealing with the present. The wishing to live in the past is not reality. There is the lack of present reality?
E. It is not wise to ask that question for it implies the personal effort is inadequate or insufficient for one’s happiness in the present. It causes dissension.
F. It is not wise to ask that question for it implies the questionnaire is passive in the present process. That person is not actively making things better. There is discontentment
G. It is not wise to ask that question for it implies a lack of hope. The person believes that things will get worse, not better. There is a pessimistic view of life.
H. It is not wise to ask that question for it implies that one is sovereignly controlling one’s results and destiny. There is a failure to recognize human limitations.
As I ponder this verse, there is the subtle questioning of the existence and power of God in the present to change one’s circumstances. It is looking at one’s past successes without realizing that the past has its challenges as well. It is only when one walks through the fire that one can see the good from it.
SUMMARY: Comparison leads to discontentment in life and questions God’s plan for one’s life.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/What-trap-does-Ecclesiastes-7-10-warn-us-against