Ecclesiastes 7:8

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

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

Better

The patient

Bible References

Better

For this cause the Lord, the Lord of armies, says, O my people living in Zion, have no fear of the Assyrian, even if his rod comes on your back, and his stick is lifted up as in Egypt.

But Abraham said, Keep in mind, my son, that when you were living, you had your good things, while Lazarus had evil things: but now, he is comforted and you are in pain.

We say that those men who have gone through pain are happy: you have the story of Job and the troubles through which he went and have seen that the Lord was full of pity and mercy in the end.

So make your minds ready, and keep on the watch, hoping with all your power for the grace which is to come to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

The patient

The only effect of pride is fighting; but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.

He who is slow to be angry has great good sense; but he whose spirit is over-quick gives support to what is foolish.

An angry man makes men come to blows, but he who is slow to get angry puts an end to fighting.

He who is slow to be angry is better than a man of war, and he who has control over his spirit than he who takes a town.

He who is ever desiring profit is a cause of fighting; but he who puts his faith in the Lord will be made fat.

By going through all these things, you will keep your lives.

To those who go on with good works in the hope of glory and honour and salvation from death, he will give eternal life:

For, having done what was right in God's eyes, you have need of waiting before his word has effect for you.

Be as calm in your waiting; let your hearts be strong: because the coming of the Lord is near.

What credit is it if, when you have done evil, you take your punishment quietly? but if you are given punishment for doing right, and take it quietly, this is pleasing to God.

And in the same way, let the younger men be ruled by the older ones. Let all of you put away pride and make yourselves ready to be servants: for God is a hater of pride, but he gives grace to those who make themselves low.