Parallel Verses
Holman Bible
for when a face is sad, a heart may be glad.
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.
International Standard Version
Sorrow is better than laughter, because the heart is made better through trouble.
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
than to go to a house of feasting,
since that is the end of all mankind,
and the living should take it to heart.
for when a face is sad, a heart may be glad.
but the heart of fools is in a house of pleasure.
Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:9-11
Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us.
Psalm 119:67
but now I keep Your word.
Psalm 119:71
so that I could learn Your statutes.
Psalm 126:5-6
will reap with shouts of joy.
Jeremiah 31:8-9
I will gather them from remote regions of the earth
the blind and the lame will be with them,
along with those who are pregnant and those about to give birth.
They will return here as a great assembly!
Jeremiah 31:15-20
This is what the Lord says:
a lament with bitter weeping—
Rachel weeping for her children,
refusing to be comforted for her children
because they are no more.
Jeremiah 50:4-5
this is the Lord’s declaration—
the Israelites and Judeans will come together,
weeping as they come,
and will seek the Lord their God.
Daniel 9:3-19
So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petitions, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
Daniel 10:2-3
In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks.
Daniel 10:19
He said, “Don’t be afraid,
As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
Zechariah 12:10-14
“Then I will pour out a spirit
Luke 6:21
Luke 6:25
John 16:20-22
Romans 5:3-4
And not only that,
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our momentary light affliction
Hebrews 12:10-11
For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness.
James 1:2-4
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,
James 4:8-10
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!