Ecclesiastes 4:9

Labor is Beneficial When Its Rewards Are Shared

4:9 Two people are better than one,

because they can reap more benefit from their labor.

Ecclesiastes 5:5

5:5 It is better for you not to vow

than to vow and not pay it.

Ecclesiastes 7:3

7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter,

because sober reflection is good for the heart.

Ecclesiastes 9:18

9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war,

but one sinner can destroy much that is good.


tn Heb “they have.”

tn Heb “a good reward.”

tn The word “it” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarity.

tn NEB suggests “grief”; NJPS, “vexation.”

tn Heb “in sadness of face there is good for the heart.”

tn Or possibly “Though the face is sad, the heart may be glad.”