Ecclesiastes 7:3

Translations

Modern

Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart.

Traditional

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

Literal

Better is sorrow than laughter, for by the sadness of the face, the heart is made good.

Latin

Melior est ira risu, quia per tristitiam vultus corrigitur animus delinquentis.

Original

Hebrew

English

Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart.

Notes

Ecclesiastes 7:3–4

good for the heart: Thinking clearly about death helps us understand the seriousness of God's curse on sin and shows us the importance of enjoying life wisely (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Ecclesiastes 7:1–4

These proverbs are like the sayings in the Book of Proverbs.

Ecclesiastes 7:2–6

It is unwise to engage in carefree fun when wisdom calls for serious reflection on death (see also Ecclesiastes 2:12–13).

Ecclesiastes 6:10–7:22

God's control over everything is serious, but it gives us hope.

Related verses

2 Corinthians 7:9–11
…yet now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us.
Romans 5:3–4
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
James 4:8–10
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
John 16:20–22
Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Hebrews 12:10–11
Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.
Jeremiah 31:15–20
This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
James 1:2–4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
Jeremiah 31:8–9
Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly!
Luke 6:21
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Zechariah 12:10–14
Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
Psalm 119:67
Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes Laughter

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Afflictions Made Beneficial in Purifying Us Amusements and Worldly Pleasures: Wisdom of Abstaining From Bereavement: Resignation In Countenance: Sad Worldly Amusements and Pleasures: Wisdom of Abstaining From

Ecclesiastes 7:3

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Related verses?

Glossary?

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