Book of Ecclesiastes 7-9 A living dog is better than a dead lion

Ecclesiastes 7-9

Again, lots of good thoughts and messages but I have to once again disagree with the author.

7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

Having lost a good friend recently to cancer I, my family and friends greatly benefitted from sharing pleasant, fun memories.  It was better to share in the joy of someones life then to be maudlin about his death.

This is another great piece of wisdom; 7:19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city

Unfortunately, it's followed by this downer;

7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

And later;

9:3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Always with the negative waves...

The author also seems to think death is final.  Just a little contradiction from Jesus's upcoming messages about living happily ever after in heaven.

9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Speaking of contradictions, this author seem to vasilate between "eat, drink and be merry" and "sorrow is better then laughter."  Is this another case of multiple authors being combined?