Ecclesiastes 3:4

To weep. It is a good thing at times to allow pent-up emotions to express themselves. Israel wept bitterly in exile (Ps. 137:1). Also, the day will come when God’s people will laugh (Ps. 52:1-6).

To mourn. The word translated “mourn” is a technical term used for the loud, public lamentations and expressions of grief indulged in by Eastern peoples (see 2 Sam. 3:31; Jer. 4:8; 9:17-22; 49:3).

To dance. In ancient times dancing was an important part of religious and festive ceremonies, particularly in the East (see 2 Sam. 6:14, 16; 1 Chron. 15:29; cf. Matt. 11:17; see on Ex. 15:20; 32:19).