Ecclesiastes 7:3 — KJV with Strong's Concordance

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Chapter 7

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

Ecclesiastes 7:3 —

My Notes

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← Ecclesiastes 7:2 Ecclesiastes 7:4 →

Original word meaning

— of 7

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Cross-References

From the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 7:9-11
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. …
Romans 5:3-4
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; …
James 4:8-10
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. …
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Jeremiah 31:15-20
Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. …

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities Bereavement Character Countenance

Commentary

Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible (1710)

(vv. 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. Goo…

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown’s Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary (1871)

(vv. 3)

3. Sorrow--such as arises from serious thoughts of eternity. laughter--reckless mirth (Ec 2:2). by the sadness ... better--(Psa 126:5, 6; 2Co 4:17; He 12:10, 11). Maurer translates: “In sadness of countenance there is (may be) a good (cheerful) heart.” So Hebrew, for “good,” equivalent to “cheerful” (Ec 11:9); but the parallel clause supports English Version.