Ecclesiastes 7:8
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
JPS TaNaKH 1917
In The King James Version
In Context
7Surely oppression turneth a wise man into a fool; and a gift destroyeth the understanding.
9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Cross References
Proverbs 13:10By pride cometh only contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom.
Proverbs 15:18A wrathful man stirreth up discord; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Proverbs 28:25He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be abundantly gratified.
Isaiah 10:28He is come to Aiath, he is passed through Migron; at Michmas he layeth up his baggage;
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 7:8-11
Scenes of Mourning and of Joy. 7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. Solomon had often complained before of the oppressions which he saw under the… Read the whole commentary →