Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

f. Patience is better than anxiety. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

TEXT 7:8-9

8

The end of a matter is better than its beginning; patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.

9

Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 7:8-9

185.

To what previous statement in this chapter could the first part of verse eight have reference?

186.

What one word is synonymous with haughtiness of spirit?

187.

Explain what you think is meant by eager ... to be angry.

188.

One who harbors anger in his heart is considered to be what?

PARAPHRASE 7:8-9

Better is the end of something than its beginning, and better is a patient spirit than a proud spirit. Do not become impatient and angered in spirit for he who allows anger to reside in his heart is a fool.

COMMENT 7:8-9

Why is the end of a thing better than its beginning? There are numerous answers which could be given as many experiences of life underscore the truth that hind sight is better than foresight. One who enters rashly into a business deal or enterprise, bragging concerning his personal ambitions and goals, may discover that the wiser action would be to wait and see how events finally materialize. Jesus said concerning the individual who boasted of his intention to build, only to discover that he ran out of funds, that all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying -This man began to build and was not able to finish-' (Luke 14:29-30). A similar statement comes to us from the Old Testament in the classic statement of Ahab: Let not him who girds on his armor boast like him who takes it off (1 Kings 20:11). Thus, the wise man knows that it is better to resign all of one's future plans into the providential control of the Creator. This does not relieve one of the responsibility of planning for tomorrow, but it does safeguard against the proud spirit.

The purpose of a thing is best understood by looking back upon it. Wisdom is gained by patiently waiting even when one is tempted to press and force the situation to fit desired or predicted ends.
A quick temper in company with frustration is the earmark of a fool. Another mark of the fool is to welcome, harbor and entertain anger. The wise man will be careful not to become easily agitated or react physically without just provocation. Such irresponsible behavior will not produce a good name.

FACT QUESTIONS 7:8-9

338.

Simple observations of life lead to what conclusion?

339.

If one wishes to be thought of as a wise man, what is a better course of action than proud bragging over proposed projects?

340.

Give two earmarks of a fool.