Bible Strands
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
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Study note
Setting — The Preacher (Qoheleth) delivers a practical maxim within a series of wisdom sayings (Ecclesiastes 7), positioned between a warning that bribery corrupts judgment (v. 7) and a warning against quick anger (v. 9).
The words — אֶֽרֶךְ־ר֖וּחַ (erekh-ruach) is a fixed idiom, literally "long spirit," meaning patience; it is weighed against גְּבַהּ (gevah), "high/proud," within the comparative frame טוֹב…מִ ("good…more than").
The thread — Proverbs 14:29 pairs patience with understanding and quick temper with folly; Hebrews 10:36 and Psalms 126:5 both tie endurance to an outcome better than the starting point.
Why it lands — It asks the reader to hold still when the opening of a matter looks bad and to check the impulse to react from pride rather than wait for the end.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
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.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
- Psalms 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
- Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
- 1 Peter 1:13 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 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.
- Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.
- James 5:8 You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
- Proverbs 16:32 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 By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.
- Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,