Ecclesiastes 7:8
6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.
7 Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.
10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.
- KJV
- Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
- WEB
- Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
- ASV
- Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; [and] the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
- DARBY
- Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a proud spirit.
- BLB
- Better the end of a thing than its beginning; better one long of spirit than one high of spirit.
- ÅB
- Bedre er enden på en ting enn begynnelsen, bedre å være tålmodig enn overmodig.
- OTB
- Avslutningen på en sak er bedre enn begynnelsen, og tålmodighet er bedre enn stolthet.
- B1930
- Bedre er enden på en ting enn begynnelsen, bedre å være tålmodig enn overmodig.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
Read in contextPsalms 126:5–6
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
Read in contextProverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
Read in context1 Peter 1:13
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Read in contextJames 5:11
See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Read in contextProverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.
Read in contextJames 5:8
You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Read in contextProverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
Read in context