Parallel Verses
International Standard Version
Sorrow is better than laughter, because the heart is made better through trouble.
New American Standard Bible
For
King James Version
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Holman Bible
for when a face is sad, a heart may be glad.
A Conservative Version
Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.
American Standard Version
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.
Amplified
Sorrow is better than laughter,
For when a face is sad (deep in thought) the heart may be happy [because it is growing in wisdom].
Bible in Basic English
Sorrow is better than joy; when the face is sad the mind gets better.
Darby Translation
Vexation is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Julia Smith Translation
Good is grief above laughter: for in the illness of the face the heart shall be good.
King James 2000
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Lexham Expanded Bible
Sorrow [is] better than laughter, for by sadness of countenance the heart is made good.
Modern King James verseion
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made better.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
It is better to be sorry than to laugh, for when the countenance is heavy the heart is joyful.
NET Bible
Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.
New Heart English Bible
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.
The Emphasized Bible
Better is grief than laughter, - for, by the marring of the face, amended is the heart.
Webster
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
World English Bible
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.
Youngs Literal Translation
Better is sorrow than laughter, For by the sadness of the face the heart becometh better.
Themes
Afflictions made beneficial » In purifying us
worldly Amusements and pleasures » Wisdom of abstaining from
Amusements and worldly pleasures » Wisdom of abstaining from
Topics
Interlinear
Ka`ac
Towb
S@chowq
Roa`
Paniym
Leb
References
Fausets
Hastings
Word Count of 20 Translations in Ecclesiastes 7:3
Verse Info
Context Readings
People Generally Do Not Know What Is Best For Them
2 It's better to attend a funeral than to attend a banquet, for everyone dies eventually, and the living will take this to heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, because the heart is made better through trouble. 4 For the wise person thinks carefully when in mourning, but fools focus their thoughts on pleasure.
Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:9-11
Now I am happy, not because you had such sorrow, but because your sorrow led you to repent. For you were sorry in a godly way, and so you were not hurt by us in any way.
Psalm 119:67
Before I was humbled, I wandered away, but now I observe your words.
Psalm 119:71
It was for my good that I was humbled; so that I would learn your statutes.
Psalm 126:5-6
Those who weep while they plant will sing for joy while they harvest.
Jeremiah 31:8-9
Look, I'm bringing them from the northern region, and I'll gather them from the farthest parts of the earth. among them will be the blind and the lame, together with the pregnant woman and the woman in labor. A large group will return here.
Jeremiah 31:15-20
This is what the LORD says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter crying. Rachel is crying, and she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no longer alive."
Jeremiah 50:4-5
In those days, and at that time," declares the LORD, "the people of Israel will come together with the people of Judah. They'll be weeping as they travel along, and they'll be seeking the LORD their God.
Daniel 9:3-19
"So I turned my attention to the Lord God, seeking him in prayer and supplication, accompanied with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
Daniel 10:2-3
"At that time I, Daniel, had been mourning for three straight weeks.
Daniel 10:19
and said, "Don't be afraid, man highly regarded. Be at peace, and be strong.' "As soon as he spoke to me, I gained strength and replied, "Sir, please speak, now that you've strengthened me.'
Zechariah 12:10-14
I will pour out on the house of David and on the residents of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and of supplications, and they will look to me the one whom they pierced.'"
Luke 6:21
How blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be satisfied! How blessed are you who are crying now, because you will laugh!
Luke 6:25
How terrible it will be for you who are full now, because you will be hungry! How terrible it will be for you who are laughing now, because you will mourn and cry!
John 16:20-22
Truly, I tell all of you emphatically, you'll cry and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You'll be deeply distressed, but your pain will turn into joy.
Romans 5:3-4
Not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
2 Corinthians 4:17
This light, temporary nature of our suffering is producing for us an everlasting weight of glory, far beyond any comparison,
Hebrews 12:10-11
For a short time they disciplined us as they thought best, but God does it for our good, so that we may share in his holiness.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials,
James 4:8-10
Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.