It is better to end life with a good reputation than to begin it auspiciously but then ruin it through folly. This emphasis on the importance of living wisely continues through the rest of the book (cf. Ecclesiastes 2:26; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Ecclesiastes 12:14). The mother rubbed the "good ointment" on her baby and supposedly got it off to a good start in life by doing so. read more
1. Adversity and prosperity 7:1-14He began by exposing our ignorance of the significance of adversity and prosperity (Ecclesiastes 7:1-14; cf. Job). Both of these conditions, he noted, can have good and bad effects-depending on how a person responds to them. Prosperity is not always or necessarily good (cf. Ecclesiastes 6:1-12), and adversity, or affliction, is not always or necessarily evil (cf. Ecclesiastes 7:1-15). Actually, adversity is often a greater good than prosperity. [Note: Kaiser,... read more
B. God’s Inscrutable Plan chs. 7-8Solomon proceeded in this section to focus on the comprehensive plan of God: His decree. His point was that we cannot fathom it completely. read more
The point of these verses is that it is wise to bear the brevity of life in mind as one lives (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:1). The "heart," mentioned in all three verses, is where we make moral decisions (cf. Proverbs 4:23). Thoughtful rather than thoughtless living is wise (cf. Psalms 90:12). Sobriety contrasts with self-indulgence."A sorrow shared may bring more inner happiness than an evening with back-slapping jokers (Ecclesiastes 7:3-4)." [Note: J. S. Wright, "Ecclesiastes," p. 1174.] read more
Practical Aphorisms1-6. Things useful to remember in life. The writer has just warned as that we cannot rely on either the present or the future. We can, however, guide ourselves in the conduct of life by bearing in mind useful truths. These he now proceeds to give.1. Precious ointment] This was a much-prized luxury in the East (cp. Psalms 45:8; Amos 6:6; Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:37), but to be held in esteem is still better. There is a play on words in the Heb. (Shem, ’a name,’ and Shemen,... read more
(1) There is a play on words in the original (found also in Song of Solomon 1:3), which Plumptre represents by “a good name is better than good nard.” It was probably an older proverb, which the Preacher completes by the startling addition, “and so is the day of death better than that of birth.” For the use of perfumes, see Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel 12:20; Proverbs 7:17; Daniel 10:3. read more
(2) Comparing this verse with Ecclesiastes 2:24, it is plain that the Preacher does not in the latter place recommend reckless enjoyment, but enjoyment tempered by the fear of God, and looking to the end. read more
(3) Sadness of the countenance.—Genesis 40:7; Nehemiah 3:3. “Anger” (margin). This is the usual meaning of the word, and so in Ecclesiastes 7:9. It is accordingly adopted here by the older translators, but the rendering of our version is required by the context. read more
Ecclesiastes 7:2 We are apt to blame society for being constrained and artificial, but its conventionalities are only the result of the limitations of man's own nature. How much, for instance, of what is called 'reserve' belongs to this life, and passes away with its waning, and the waxing of the new life! We can say to the dying, and hear from them things that, in the fullness of health and vigour, could not be imparted without violence to some inward instinct. And this is one reason, among... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:3
3. Sorrow—such as arises from serious thoughts of eternity. laughter—reckless mirth (Ecclesiastes 2:2). by the sadness . . . better— (Psalms 126:5; Psalms 126:6; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 12:10; Hebrews 12:11). MAURER translates: "In sadness of countenance there is (may be) a good (cheerful) heart." So Hebrew, for "good," equivalent to "cheerful" (Hebrews 12:11- :); but the parallel clause supports English Version. read more