King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The heart of the wise [is] in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools [is] in the house of mirth.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The thoughts of the wise are in the house of mourning, but the thoughts of fools are in the house of pleasure.
Berean Standard Bible:
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
American Standard Version:
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The heart{H3820} of the wise{H2450} is in the house{H1004} of mourning{H60}; but the heart{H3820} of fools{H3684} is in the house{H1004} of mirth{H8057}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Luke 7:12
- Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
Luke 7:13
- And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Matthew 8:14
- ¶ And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
Matthew 8:16
- When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with [his] word, and healed all that were sick:
Daniel 5:1
- ¶ Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Daniel 5:4
- They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
2 Samuel 13:28
- Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Ecclesiastes 7:4
Ecclesiastes 7:4 is a verse from the Hebrew Bible, attributed to the author known as Qoheleth, traditionally identified with King Solomon. The book of Ecclesiastes is a part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, which reflects on the meaning of life and the best way to live. It is characterized by its skeptical tone, questioning the value of earthly pursuits and wisdom itself.
The verse contrasts two types of environments and their effects on individuals: the "house of mourning" and the "house of mirth." The "heart of the wise" is said to be in the house of mourning, suggesting that those who are wise recognize the value of reflecting on life's serious aspects, including mortality and the brevity of existence. This contemplation in a sober setting leads to a deeper understanding of life and fosters wisdom. On the other hand, the "heart of fools" is found in the house of mirth, indicating a preference for places of frivolity and pleasure-seeking. This inclination is seen as foolish because it neglects the profound truths and lessons that come from considering life's more somber realities.
Historically, the verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where communal mourning and festive celebrations were significant social practices. Qoheleth's words challenge the reader to consider the ultimate value of their actions and the environments they choose to frequent. The themes of wisdom, folly, life's purpose, and the appropriate response to life's fleeting nature are central to this verse and resonate with the broader message of Ecclesiastes, which encourages a thoughtful, reflective approach to life, emphasizing that true wisdom involves recognizing the limitations of human understanding and the certainty of death.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3820
There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֵב
Transliteration: lêb
Pronunciation: labe
Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. - Strong's Number: H2450
There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָכָם
Transliteration: châkâm
Pronunciation: khaw-kawm'
Description: from חָכַם; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful); cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). - Strong's Number: H1004
There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בַּיִת
Transliteration: bayith
Pronunciation: bah'-yith
Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). - Strong's Number: H60
There are 1725 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵבֶל
Transliteration: ʼêbel
Pronunciation: ay'-bel
Description: from אָבַל; lamentation; mourning. - Strong's Number: H3684
There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּסִיל
Transliteration: kᵉçîyl
Pronunciation: kes-eel'
Description: from כָּסַל; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly; fool(-ish). - Strong's Number: H8057
There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׂמְחָה
Transliteration: simchâh
Pronunciation: sim-khaw'
Description: from שָׂמֵחַ; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival); [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing).