Ecclesiastes 7:3 - American Standard Version (1901)

Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better and gains gladness. [II Cor. 7:10.]

Common English Bible

Aggravation is better than merriment because a sad face may lead to a glad heart.

Catholic Public Domain Version

It is better to go to a house of mourning, than to a house of feasting. For in the former, we are admonished about the end of all things, so that the living consider what may be in the future.