Ecclesiastes 7:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

In these verses Solomon lays down some great truths which seem paradoxes to the unthinking part, that is, the far greatest part, of mankind. I. That the honour of virtue is really more valuable and desirable than all the wealth and pleasure in this world (Eccl. 7:1): A good name is before good ointment (so it may be read); it is preferable to it, and will be rather chosen by all that are wise. Good ointment is here put for all the profits of the earth (among the products of which oil was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:3

Sorrow is better than laughter ,.... Sorrow, expressed in the house of mourning, is better, more useful and commendable, than that foolish laughter, and those airs of levity, expressed in the house of feasting; or sorrow on account of affliction and troubles, even adversity itself, is oftentimes much more profitable, and conduces more to the good of men, than prosperity; or sorrow for sin, a godly sorrow, a sorrow after a godly sort, which works repentance unto salvation, that needeth not... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:3

Sorrow is better than laughter - The reason is immediately given; for by the sorrow of the countenance - the grief of heart that shows itself in the countenance: - The heart is made better - In such cases, most men try themselves at the tribunal of their own consciences, and resolve on amendment of life. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1-7

Section 1. Though no man knows for certain what is best, yet there are some practical rules for the conduct of life which wisdom gives . Some of these Koheleth sets forward in the proverbial form, recommending a serious, earnest life in preference to one of gaiety and frivolity. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:3

Sorrow is better than laughter . This is a further expansion of the previous maxim, כַּעַס ( kaas ), as contrasted with שְׂהוֹק , is rightly rendered "sorrow," "melancholy," or, as Ginsburg contends, "thoughtful sadness." The Septuagint has θυμός , the Vulgate ira ; but auger is not the feeling produced by a visit to the house of mourning. Such a scene produces saddening reflection, which is in itself a moral training, and is more wholesome and elevating than thoughtless... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:3

Sorrow - Rather, Seriousness.The heart is made better - i. e., is made bright and joyful (compare 2 Corinthians 6:10). The mind which bears itself equally in human concerns, whether they be pleasant or sorrowful, must always be glad, free, and at peace. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 7:3-4

Ecclesiastes 7:3-4. Sorrow is better than laughter Either sorrow for sin, or even sorrow on other accounts; for by the sadness of the countenance Sadness seated in the heart, but manifested in the countenance; the heart is made better Is more weaned from the lusts and vanities of this world, by which most men are ensnared and destroyed; and more quickened to seek after and embrace that true and everlasting happiness which God offers to them in his word. The heart of the wise is in the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

Proverbs about life and death (7:1-14)The writer now faces up to the fact that people have to make their way through life in spite of its various misfortunes. Through a collection of proverbs he points out that whatever circumstances they find themselves in, they should use them to the best advantage.To begin with, people should desire a good reputation. If they live worthwhile lives, the day of their death will be more important than the day of their birth. It will be the climax that confirms... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:3

Ecclesiastes 7:3. Sorrow is better than laughter— A sorrowful appearance is often better than laughter; for, notwithstanding the sadness of the countenance, the heart may be happy: Desvoeux: who thinks, that not real sorrow, but the appearance of it only, is meant; such a serious countenance as is compatible with inward joy and satisfaction, though absolute grief does not seem to be so. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

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

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