Ecclesiastes 7:3-4

7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter,

because sober reflection is good for the heart.

7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking.


tn NEB suggests “grief”; NJPS, “vexation.”

tn Heb “in sadness of face there is good for the heart.”

tn Or possibly “Though the face is sad, the heart may be glad.”

sn The expression the house of merrymaking refers to a banquet where those who attend engage in self-indulgent feasting and riotous drinking.