7:3 Sorrow 1 is better than laughter,
because sober reflection 2 is good for the heart. 3
7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking. 4
1 tn NEB suggests “grief”; NJPS, “vexation.”
2 tn Heb “in sadness of face there is good for the heart.”
3 tn Or possibly “Though the face is sad, the heart may be glad.”
4 sn The expression the house of merrymaking refers to a banquet where those who attend engage in self-indulgent feasting and riotous drinking.