CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/21_Ecc_07_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 7:8 - The Value of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:7">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 7:8 <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: <i>and</i> the patient in spirit <i>is</i> better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The end of a thing <i>is</i> better than its beginning; The patient in spirit <i>is</i> better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than arrogance of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Better is the end of a matter than its beginning; Better is patience of spirit than haughtiness of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than its beginning; Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit (pride).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than its beginning; a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than its beginning; a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Something completed is better than something just begun; patience is better than too much pride. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The end of something is better than its beginning. It is better to be patient than arrogant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The end of something is better than its beginning. Patience is better than pride. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The conclusion of something is better than its beginning, and a patient attitude is more valuable than a proud one. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than its beginning: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] the latter end of a thing than its beginning, "" Better [is] the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is the latter end of a thing than its beginning, Better is the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good the last of a word above its beginning: good slowness of spirit above pride of spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better is the end of a speech than the beginning. Better is the patient man than the presumptuous. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 7:9>The end of a speech is better than the beginning. Patience is better than arrogance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a lofty one. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; the patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; and the patient man in humbleness is better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Better is the end of a matter than its beginning, and better is patience of spirit than pride of spirit<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; And the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof: the patient is better than the high-minded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1218" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/319.htm" title="319: ’a·ḥă·rîṯ (N-fsc) -- The after-part, end. From 'achar; the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity.">The end</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">of a matter</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/7225.htm" title="7225: mê·rê·šî·ṯōw (Prep-m:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Beginning, chief. From the same as ro'sh; the first, in place, time, order or rank.">than the beginning,</a> <a href="/hebrew/750.htm" title="750: ’e·reḵ- (Adj-msc) -- Long. From 'arak; long.">and a patient</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/1364.htm" title="1364: mig·gə·ḇah- (Prep-m:: Adj-msc) -- High, exalted. Or gabowahh; from gabahh; elevated, powerful, arrogant.">than a proud</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">one.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-11.htm">James 5:11</a></span><br />See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Philippians 1:6</a></span><br />being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a></span><br />Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-4</a></span><br />Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16-18</a></span><br />Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. / For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-4.htm">James 1:4</a></span><br />Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-13.htm">Matthew 24:13</a></span><br />But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-25.htm">Romans 8:25</a></span><br />But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-7</a></span><br />In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></span><br />A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-12.htm">Job 42:12</a></span><br />So the LORD blessed Job’s latter days more than his first. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a></span><br />But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Psalm 37:7-9</a></span><br />Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. / Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. / For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.</p><p class="hdg">better</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5</a></b></br> They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-24.htm">Isaiah 10:24,25,28-34</a></b></br> Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Luke 16:25</a></b></br> But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.</p><p class="hdg">the patient</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Proverbs 13:10</a></b></br> Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised <i>is</i> wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Proverbs 15:18</a></b></br> A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but <i>he that is</i> slow to anger appeaseth strife.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/psalms/10-4.htm">Haughtiness</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-13.htm">Haughty</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-11.htm">Latter</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Patience</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Patient</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-13.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-25.htm">Proud</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-9.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Start</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Thereof</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-10.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-14.htm">End</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Haughtiness</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Haughty</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Latter</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-13.htm">Patience</a> <a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Patient</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/songs/6-5.htm">Proud</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Start</a> <a href="/songs/1-12.htm">Thereof</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">remedies against vanity are, a good name</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">mortification</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">patience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">The difficulty of wisdom</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The end of a matter is better than the beginning</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of perseverance and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes. In biblical context, many narratives illustrate that the conclusion of a journey or process often reveals God's wisdom and plan more clearly than the initial stages. For example, Joseph's story in Genesis shows how his trials led to a greater purpose. Theologically, this reflects the Christian belief in God's sovereignty and the ultimate redemption and fulfillment found in Christ. The end times, as prophesied in Revelation, also highlight the culmination of God's plan for humanity, where the ultimate victory and peace are realized.<p><b>and a patient spirit is better than a proud one</b><br>Patience is a virtue highly esteemed in Scripture, often associated with humility and trust in God's timing. <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a> states, "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city," reinforcing the value of patience over pride. In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies patience, enduring suffering and humiliation for the sake of humanity's salvation. Pride, conversely, is frequently condemned, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." The cultural context of the ancient Near East also valued patience as a sign of wisdom and maturity, contrasting with the destructive nature of pride. This phrase encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of patience, aligning with the character of Christ and the teachings of the apostles.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, reflecting on the meaning of life and the best way to live.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The cultural and historical context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>The term "Ecclesiastes" is derived from the Greek translation of the Hebrew word "Qoheleth," meaning "the assembler" or "the teacher," which is how Solomon refers to himself in this book.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_patience.htm">The Value of Patience</a></b><br>Patience is a virtue that allows us to see the completion of God's work in our lives. It requires trust in God's timing and His ultimate plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>Pride can lead to downfall and destruction. A humble and patient spirit is more aligned with God's will and leads to better outcomes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perseverance.htm">The Importance of Perseverance</a></b><br>The end of a matter being better than the beginning highlights the importance of perseverance. We are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_plan.htm">Trusting God's Plan</a></b><br>Trusting that the end will be better than the beginning requires faith in God's sovereignty and His ability to bring good out of every situation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_life's_journey.htm">Reflecting on Life's Journey</a></b><br>This verse encourages us to reflect on our life's journey, understanding that the process and growth we experience are valuable and lead to a better end.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_occurs_following_death.htm">What occurs following death?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_john's_bethabara_baptism_important.htm">What does the Bible say about marrying an alcoholic?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_neuroscience_proof_of_soul_exit.htm">Why does neuroscience show no evidence of a soul leaving the body?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_marrying_an_alcoholic.htm">What does the Bible say about marrying an alcoholic?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Thing.</span>--Here, as in <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm" title="Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?">Ecclesiastes 6:11</a> and elsewhere, we may also translate "word." Possibly the thought still is the advantage of bearing patiently "the rebuke of the wise."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 8-14.</span> - Section 2. Here follow some <span class="accented">recommendations to patience and resignation under the ordering of God's providence</span>. Such conduct is shown to be true wisdom. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.</span> This is not a repetition of the assertion in ver. I concealing the day of death and the day of birth, but states a truth in a certain sense generally true. The end is better because we then can form a right judgment about a matter; we see what was its purpose; we know whether it has been advantageous and prosperous or not. Christ's maxim, often repeated (see <a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Matthew 10:22</a>; <a href="/matthew/24-13.htm">Matthew 24:13</a>; <a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Romans 2:7</a>; <a href="/hebrews/3-6.htm">Hebrews 3:6</a>, etc.), is, "He that shall endure unto the end shall be saved." No one living can be said to be so absolutely safe as that he can look to the great day without trembling. Death puts the seal to the good life, and, obviates the danger of falling away. Of course, if a thing is in itself evil, the gnome is not true (comp. <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Proverbs 5:3, 4</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Proverbs 16:25</a>, etc.); but applied to things indifferent at the outset, it is as correct as generalizations can be. The lesson of patience is here taught. A man should not be precipitate in his judgments, but wait for the issue. From the ambiguity in the expression <span class="accented">dabar</span> (see on Ecclesiastes 6:11), many render it "word "in this passage. Thus the Vulgate, <span class="accented">Melior est finis orationis</span>, <span class="accented">quam principium</span>; and the Septuagint, <span class="greek">Ἀγαθὴ ἐσχάτη λόγων</span> <span class="greek">ὑπὲρ ἀρχὴν αὐτοῦ</span>, where <span class="greek">φωνή</span>, or some such word, must be supplied. If this interpretation be preferred, we must either take the maxim as stating generally that few words are better than many, and that the sooner one concludes a speech, so much the better for speaker and hearer; or we must consider that the word intended is a well-merited rebuke, which, however severe and at first disliked, proves in the end wholesome and profitable. <span class="cmt_word">And the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.</span> "Patient" is literally "long of spirit," as the phrase, "short of spirit," is used in <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a> and <a href="/job/21-4.htm">Job 21:4</a> to denote one who loses his temper and is impatient. To wait calmly for the result of an action, not to be hasty in arraigning Providence, is the part of a patient man; while the proud, inflated, conceited man, who thinks all must be arranged according to his notions, is never resigned or content, but rebels against the ordained course of events. "In your patience ye shall win your souls," said Christ (<a href="/luke/21-19.htm">Luke 21:19</a>); and a Scotch proverb declares wisely, "He that weel bides, weel betides." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The end</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרִ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_319.htm">Strong's 319: </a> </span><span class="str2">The last, end, the future, posterity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a matter</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּבָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֛וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than the beginning,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽרֵאשִׁית֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rê·šî·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7225.htm">Strong's 7225: </a> </span><span class="str2">The first, in place, time, order, rank</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] a patient</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶֽרֶךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(’e·reḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_750.htm">Strong's 750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Long</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spirit</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֖וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֥וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than a proud</span><br /><span class="heb">מִגְּבַהּ־</span> <span class="translit">(mig·gə·ḇah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1362.htm">Strong's 1362: </a> </span><span class="str2">High, proud </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[one].</span><br /><span class="heb">רֽוּחַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>