Ecclesiastes 7:3 - Revised Standard Version (RSV-CI)

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

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

³ Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better and gains gladness. [II Cor. 7:10.]

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Common English Bible

³ Aggravation is better than merriment because a sad face may lead to a glad heart.

Catholic Public Domain Version

³ It is better to go to a house of mourning, than to a house of feasting. For in the former, we are admonished about the end of all things, so that the living consider what may be in the future.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

³ It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting: for in that we are put in mind of the end of all, and the living thinketh what is to come.

Ecclesiastes 7:3 Cross References

Psalm 119:67

Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I keep thy word.

Psalm 119:71

It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.

Ecclesiastes 2:2

I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?”

Ecclesiastes 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Daniel 10:19

And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And when he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Luke 6:21

“Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.

Luke 6:25

“Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. “Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,