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<!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 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/21_Ecc_07_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 7:4 - The Value of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure." /><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'; 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but the heart of fools <i>is</i> in the house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise <i>is</i> in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools <i>is</i> in the house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, While the heart of fools is in the house of gladness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise [learns when it] is in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools is [senseless] in the house of pleasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in a house of pleasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in a house of pleasure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A sensible person mourns, but fools always laugh. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The minds of wise people think about funerals, but the minds of fools think about banquets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Someone who is always thinking about happiness is a fool. A wise person thinks about death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For the wise person thinks carefully when in mourning, but fools focus their thoughts on pleasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise [is] in a house of mourning, "" And the heart of fools in a house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, And the heart of fools in a house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; and the heart of the foolish in the house of gladness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is where there is mourning, and the heart of fools where there is mirth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 7:5>The heart of the wise is a place of mourning, and the heart of the foolish is a place of rejoicing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of merriment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, and the heart of fools in the house of joy<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/7-4.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=1187" 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">3</span>Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">The heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bə·ḇêṯ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">is in the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/60.htm" title="60: ’ê·ḇel (N-ms) -- Mourning. From 'abal; lamentation.">of mourning,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: wə·lêḇ (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">but the heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: kə·sî·lîm (N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of fools</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bə·ḇêṯ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">is in the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">of pleasure.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.…<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="/proverbs/14-13.htm">Proverbs 14:13</a></span><br />Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Proverbs 21:29</a></span><br />A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Proverbs 15:31</a></span><br />He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Proverbs 17:10</a></span><br />A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a></span><br />So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-71.htm">Psalm 119:71</a></span><br />It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Psalm 141:4</a></span><br />Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Isaiah 57:1</a></span><br />The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-17.htm">Jeremiah 9:17-18</a></span><br />This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Take note, and summon the wailing women; send for the most skillful among them. / Let them come quickly and take up a lament over us, that our eyes may overflow with tears, and our eyelids may gush with water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-27.htm">Lamentations 3:27-29</a></span><br />It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young. / Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him. / Let him bury his face in the dust—perhaps there is still hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a></span><br />Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-25.htm">Luke 6:25</a></span><br />Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-25.htm">Luke 16:25</a></span><br />But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a></span><br />Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.</p><p class="hdg">heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2,5</a></b></br> Wherefore the king said unto me, Why <i>is</i> thy countenance sad, seeing thou <i>art</i> not sick? this <i>is</i> nothing <i>else</i> but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3,4</a></b></br> He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were <i>our</i> faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/8-14.htm">Matthew 8:14-16</a></b></br> And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever… </p><p class="hdg">the heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">1 Samuel 25:36</a></b></br> And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart <i>was</i> merry within him, for he <i>was</i> very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-16.htm">1 Samuel 30:16</a></b></br> And when he had brought him down, behold, <i>they were</i> spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">2 Samuel 13:28</a></b></br> Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-8.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-11.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">House</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-12.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-15.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-26.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Wise</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 heart of the wise is in the house of mourning</b><br>This phrase suggests that wisdom is found in places of sorrow and reflection. In biblical times, mourning was a communal event, often involving the entire community. The "house of mourning" could refer to a literal place where people gathered to grieve, such as a home or a designated area for mourning rituals. This setting encourages introspection and a deeper understanding of life's transient nature. The wise person recognizes the value of contemplating mortality and the lessons it imparts. This aligns with other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Psalm 90:12</a>, which urges believers to "number our days" to gain a heart of wisdom. The wise heart seeks growth through understanding the brevity and fragility of life, leading to a more meaningful existence.<p><b>but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure</b><br>In contrast, the fool's heart is drawn to places of pleasure, which in ancient times could include feasting halls, banquets, or other venues of entertainment and indulgence. These settings often distract from the deeper questions of life and can lead to a superficial existence. The "house of pleasure" symbolizes a focus on immediate gratification and the neglect of spiritual and moral growth. This is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17</a>, which warns that "he who loves pleasure will become poor." The fool's pursuit of pleasure is short-sighted, ignoring the eternal perspective that the wise embrace. This dichotomy between wisdom and folly is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the importance of choosing a path that leads to lasting fulfillment rather than temporary satisfaction.<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 king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer insights into the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/house_of_mourning.htm">House of Mourning</a></b><br>This metaphorical place represents situations of grief, loss, and reflection. It is a setting where individuals confront the realities of life and death, leading to deeper understanding and wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/house_of_pleasure.htm">House of Pleasure</a></b><br>Another metaphorical place, representing environments focused on entertainment, indulgence, and temporary happiness. It symbolizes a life centered on fleeting pleasures rather than lasting truths.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_reflection.htm">Wisdom in Reflection</a></b><br>The heart of the wise seeks understanding through reflection on life's serious matters, such as mortality and the human condition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_superficiality_of_pleasure.htm">The Superficiality of Pleasure</a></b><br>Pursuing constant pleasure can lead to foolishness, as it often distracts from the deeper truths and realities of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/growth_through_sorrow.htm">Growth Through Sorrow</a></b><br>Times of mourning and sorrow can be opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, leading to a more profound wisdom and reliance on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary pleasures aligns our hearts with God's wisdom and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a></b><br>Engaging with others in their times of mourning can foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper sense of community.<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_does_'overrighteous_overwise'_mean.htm">What does 'not be overrighteous or overwise' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_sorrow_preferable_to_laughter.htm">Why is sorrow preferable to laughter?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_christian_goth_culture.htm">What defines Christian Goth culture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_aid_healing.htm">What does the Bible teach about managing anger?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning</span>. This is the natural conclusion from what was said in vers. 2, 3. The man who recognizes the serious side of life, and knows where to learn lessons of high moral meaning, will be found conversant with scenes of sorrow and suffering, and reflecting upon them. <span class="cmt_word">But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.</span> The fool, who thinks of nothing but present enjoyment, and how to make life pass pleasantly, turns away from mournful scenes, and goes only there where he may drown care and be thoughtless and merry. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/7-4.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 heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֤ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲכָמִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] in the house</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּבֵ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of mourning,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֔בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_60.htm">Strong's 60: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lamentation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the heart</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֵ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of fools</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּסִילִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(kə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is in the house</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּבֵ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of pleasure.</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂמְחָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(śim·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:4 The heart of the wise (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:5" /></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>