Ecclesiastes 7:8 “The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit…”

Ecclesiastes 7:8

The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King 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.

World English Bible

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

American Standard Version

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Geneva Bible 1599

For like ye noyse of the thornes vnder the pot, so is the laughter of the foole: this also is vanitie.

Darby Translation

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a proud spirit.

Young's Literal Translation

Better [is] the latter end of a thing than its beginning, Better [is] the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit.

Bible in Basic English

The end of a thing is better than its start, and a gentle spirit is better than pride.

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Cross references

“Better”

1 Peter 1:13 James 5:11 Luke 16:25 Isaiah 10:28–34 Psalm 126:5 Psalm 126:6

1 Peter 1:13 · BSB

Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

James 5:11 · BSB

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.

Luke 16:25 · BSB

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.

Isaiah 10:28–34 · BSB

Assyria has entered Aiath and passed through Migron, storing their supplies at Michmash.

Psalm 126:5 · BSB

Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.

Psalm 126:6 · BSB

He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

“the patient”

Hebrews 10:36 Proverbs 14:29 Proverbs 15:18 James 5:8 Proverbs 16:32 Luke 21:19

Hebrews 10:36 · BSB

You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Proverbs 14:29 · BSB

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

Proverbs 15:18 · BSB

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.

James 5:8 · BSB

You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Proverbs 16:32 · BSB

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.

Luke 21:19 · BSB

By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.

Also

Galatians 5:22 Ephesians 4:2

Galatians 5:22 · BSB

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Ephesians 4:2 · BSB

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

7Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

9Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

Read Ecclesiastes 7