3 Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.
3 Crying is better than laughing. It blotches the face but it scours the heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:3
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:1-6
(Read Ecclesiastes 7:1-6)
Reputation for piety and honesty is more desirable than all the wealth and pleasure in this world. It will do more good to go to a funeral than to a feast. We may lawfully go to both, as there is occasion; our Saviour both feasted at the wedding of his friend in Cana, and wept at the grave of his friend in Bethany. But, considering how apt we are to be vain and indulge the flesh, it is best to go to the house of mourning, to learn the end of man as to this world. Seriousness is better than mirth and jollity. That is best for us which is best for our souls, though it be unpleasing to sense. It is better to have our corruptions mortified by the rebuke of the wise, than to have them gratified by the song of fools. The laughter of a fool is soon gone, the end of his mirth is heaviness.