Ecclesiastes 7:3

c. Sorrow is better than laughter. Ecclesiastes 7:3

TEXT 7:3

3

Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad a heart may be happy.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 7:3

177.

In the contrast of the two houses in verse two, which house would hold sorrow? Which would hold laughter?

178.

Explain this verse in the light of 2 Corinthians 7:10.

179.

List some things that would cause a sad face but result in a happy heart.

PARAPHRASE 7:3

To understand the circumstances of life which result in sorrowful experiences is better than seeking after laughter. The face may cloud with tears and sorrow, but the mind will benefit and be made happy.

COMMENT 7:3

The principle taught in this verse is universally true. When one faces the reality of death and the suddenness of judgment before his Creator, he is drawn in his mind to consider his own ways. His countenance is made sad because he is seeing himself with the veneer and sham produced by self-deceit removed. His sinful ways are apparent. Repentance is implied because his sadness results in his heart being made happy. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Laughter is good for the soul. There are times when it is the manifestation of direct blessing received from the Lord. (Cf. Psalms 126:2) However, it is used here in contrast to sorrow with the latter being more profitable because it leads to repentance while joy is the result.

The term sorrow is also rendered anger, indignation, chagrin, and suggests a more severe attitude one should express toward his own iniquity. (Cf. Psalms 6:8) Sorrow is probably the better word as the visitor is in the house of mourning and this causes him to reflect on his part in the light of the deep emotion of the moment.

FACT QUESTIONS 7:3

323.

Identify the principle taught in this verse.

324.

Why is it evident that repentance is understood to have taken place?

325.

Why is sorrow more profitable than laughter?

326.

Why is sorrow more appropriate than anger in this context?