3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. 5 It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:3–5
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 14:12–14
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. 14 The backslider in heart receives the fill of his own ways, but a good man is rewarded for his ways.
Ecclesiastes 9:16–18
16 And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” 17 The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys m…
Proverbs 15:12–14
12 A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise. 13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. 14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
Sirach 21:25–27
25 The lips of strangers will be grieved at these things, but the words of prudent men will be weighed in the balance. (WEB) 26 The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of wise men is their heart. (WEB) 27 When the ungodly curses an adversary, he curses his own soul. (WEB)
Proverbs 10:22–24
22 The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. 23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
Proverbs 12:24–26
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. 25 Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up. 26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
Sirach 22:10–12
10 But children, being haughty, through disdain and want of nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred. (KJV) 11 Weep for the dead, for he lacks light. Weep for a fool, for he lacks understanding. Weep more sweetly for the dead, because he has found rest, but the life… (WEB)
Proverbs 17:9–11
9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends. 10 A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
Search the collection All books and codes Translations and sources