Ecclesiastes 7:3 - The Scriptures 1998

³ Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the face the heart becomes better.

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.

Ecclesiastes 7:3 Cross References

Psalm 119:67

Before I was afflicted I myself was going astray, But now I have guarded Your word.

Psalm 119:71

It was good for me that I was afflicted, That I might learn Your laws.

Ecclesiastes 2:2

I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of rejoicing, “What does it do?”

Ecclesiastes 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of rejoicing.

Daniel 10:19

And he said, “Do not fear, O man greatly appreciated! Peace be to you, be strong now, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my master speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Luke 6:21

“Blessed are you who hunger now, because you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, because you shall laugh.

Luke 6:25

“Woe to you who have been filled, because you shall hunger. Woe to you who are laughing now, because you shall mourn and weep.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For this slight momentary pressure, is working for us a far more exceeding and everlasting weight of esteem.