Albert Barnes Commentary Ecclesiastes 7:4

"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." — Ecclesiastes 7:4 (ASV)

House of mourning ... house of mirth - These phrases acquire a strong significance from the Eastern custom of prolonging both festive and mournful celebrations through several days. See (Genesis 50:10; Judges 14:17). This verse indicates that a life of enjoyment does not mean the abandonment of ourselves to pleasures, but the thankful and sober use of the beautiful things God gives us.