Ecclesiastes 7:2
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart.
JPS TaNaKH 1917
In The King James Version
In Context
1A good name is better than precious oil; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
3Vexation is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart may be gladdened.
Cross References
Genesis 49:2Assemble yourselves, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.
Numbers 23:10Who hath counted the dust of Jacob, or numbered the stock of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let mine end be like his!
Deuteronomy 32:46he said unto them: 'Set your heart unto all the words wherewith I testify against you this day; that ye may charge your children therewith to observe to do all the words of this law.
Psalms 90:12So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom.
Isaiah 5:11Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that tarry late into the night, till wine inflame them!
Isaiah 47:7And thou saidst: 'For ever shall I be mistress'; so that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, neither didst remember the end thereof.
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 7:2-7
The Value of a Good Name. 1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. 2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 5 It is better to hear the rebuke of… Read the whole commentary →