Logos Bible Study

Ecclesiastes 7:8–10

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8Better is the aend of a matter than its beginning;

bBetter is patience of spirit than haughtiness of spirit.

9Do not be 1aeager in your spirit to be vexed,

For vexation rests in the bosom of fools.

10Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?”

For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.

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Footnotes

  1. 1Lit hasty in your spirit

Cross references

  1. aEccl 7:1
  2. bProv 14:29; 16:32; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:2
  3. aProv 14:17; James 1:19

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,

and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry,

for anger lodges in the heart of fools.

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?”

For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

The end of a matter is better than its beginning,

and patience is better than pride.

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,

for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”

For it is not wise to ask such questions.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

The end of a matter is better than its beginning;

a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit.

Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry,

for anger abides in the heart of fools.

Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?”

since it is not wise of you to ask this.

NLTNew Living Translation

Finishing is better than starting.

Patience is better than pride.

Control your temper,

for anger labels you a fool.

Don’t long for “the good old days.”

This is not wise.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

The end of a matter is better than its beginning;

better to be slow to anger than hot-headed.

Do not be quick in your spirit to anger,

for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?”

For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

KJV 1900King James Version

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.