Ecclesiastes 7:4

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 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning ,.... When his body is not; when it does not suit him to go thither in person, his mind is there, and his thoughts are employed on the useful subjects of the frailty and mortality of human nature, of death, a future judgment, and a world to come; which shows him to be a wise man, and concerned for the best things, even for his eternal happiness in another state; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth ; where jovial company... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning - A wise man loves those occasions from which he can derive spiritual advantage; and therefore prefers visiting the sick, and sympathizing with those who have suffered privations by death. But the fool - the gay, thoughtless, and giddy - prefers places and times of diversion and amusement. Here he is prevented from seriously considering either himself or his latter end. The grand fault and misfortune of youth. 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 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning . This is the natural conclusion from what was said in Ecclesiastes 7:2 , Ecclesiastes 7:3 . The man who recognizes the serious side of life, and knows where to learn lessons of high moral meaning, will be found conversant with scenes of sorrow and suffering, and reflecting upon them. But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. The fool, who thinks of nothing but present enjoyment, and how to make life pass pleasantly, turns away... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:4

House of mourning ... house of mirth - These phrases acquire a forcible significance from the Eastern custom of prolonging both festive and mournful celebrations through several days. See Genesis 50:10; Judges 14:17. This verse indicates that a life of enjoyment, does not mean the abandonment of ourselves to pleasures, but the thankful and sober use of the beautiful things which God gives us. 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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 7:4

fools = fat, inert. Hebrew. kesil. Same word as in verses: Ecclesiastes 7:5 , Ecclesiastes 7:6 , Ecclesiastes 7:9 , Ecclesiastes 7:25 ("folly"). Not the same as "foolish "(Ecclesiastes 7:17 ), or "foolishness", Ecclesiastes 7:25 . See note on "poverty", Proverbs 1:7 . read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

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

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