Ecclesiastes 7 8

Ecclesiastes 7:8 kjv

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

Ecclesiastes 7:8 nkjv

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 niv

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 esv

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

Ecclesiastes 7:8 nlt

Finishing is better than starting.
Patience is better than pride.

Ecclesiastes 7 verses

Ecclesiastes 7 8 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 7:8 conveys a profound wisdom regarding the value of perseverance, endurance, and humility over initial appearances and self-exaltation. It teaches that the ultimate outcome or completion of a matter holds greater significance than its inception, and that a spirit of patient endurance is superior to a haughty or arrogant disposition. True value is often realized at the culmination, demonstrating that patient and humble perseverance leads to a more favorable and God-honoring conclusion than impulsive pride.

Ecclesiastes 7 8 Context

Ecclesiastes 7:8 is found within a section of Kohelet’s wisdom sayings that contrast different life experiences and character traits. Chapter 7 emphasizes the advantages of wisdom, hardship, and a right perspective on life's inevitable challenges, contrasting them with folly and fleeting pleasures. Kohelet offers paradoxical statements about seemingly unpleasant realities, such as the house of mourning being better than the house of feasting (v. 2), linking them to spiritual insight. This particular verse, Ecclesiastes 7:8, highlights that the outcome or completion of a situation or one's character journey holds more significance than its initial phase. It is part of a series of "better is..." proverbs in the chapter (e.g., v. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10), presenting valuable life lessons that defy conventional wisdom by pointing to qualities that bring enduring benefit rather than temporary satisfaction.

Ecclesiastes 7 8 Word analysis

• Better: A comparative term emphasizing superior quality or advantage. It suggests a qualitative preference.
• is the end (אַחֲרִית, acharit): Refers to the outcome, conclusion, or destiny of a thing. It’s not merely the chronological finish but the result, the fruit, or the settled state after a process. Its significance lies in finality and true manifestation.
• of a thing (דָּבָר, davar): Literally "a word" or "a matter." Here, it signifies any endeavor, project, situation, or even a person's life journey.
• than the beginning (רֵאשִׁית, re'shit) thereof: The initiation, the start, the initial stage. While beginnings can be promising, they lack the tested character or full manifestation that comes with completion. Many things start well but do not finish well.
• and the patient in spirit (אֶרֶךְ רוּחַ, erekh ruach): Literally "long of spirit" or "slow of anger." This phrase denotes forbearance, longsuffering, endurance, and self-control. It describes a person who can wait, persevere through difficulties, and remain calm under provocation. It is a hallmark of true wisdom.
• is better: Reiterates the comparative advantage.
• than the proud in spirit (גְּבַהּ רוּחַ, gevah ruach): Literally "high of spirit" or "haughty of spirit." This describes an arrogant, self-exalting, impatient, and often quickly angered person. Pride hinders wisdom, discernment, and ultimately leads to downfall.

Words-group analysis:

• "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof": This clause sets up a principle that values final outcomes over initial efforts or impressions. It highlights that the true measure of success or wisdom often becomes apparent at the conclusion, after the trials and development. This underscores the importance of perseverance and enduring commitment rather than focusing solely on exciting starts.
• "the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit": This clause links the principle of a "better end" to a specific character trait: spiritual patience or long-suffering. A patient spirit, willing to endure and wait for the appropriate outcome, naturally contributes to a favorable end. Conversely, a proud spirit, impatient and self-centered, often prevents things from reaching a good conclusion or leads to self-destruction. The patience leads to the better end, while pride spoils it.

Ecclesiastes 7 8 Bonus section

The Hebrew term ruach can mean "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In "patient in spirit" and "proud in spirit," it refers to an inner disposition or character. The contrast between erekh ruach (long-spirited) and gevah ruach (high-spirited) is central to many biblical teachings on humility versus arrogance. A "long spirit" indicates self-control and resilience in facing adversity and temptation, while a "high spirit" speaks of a character unyielding in its own perceived superiority. This verse implies that while life may begin with potential, it is the character developed through the journey—specifically patience and humility—that truly determines the ultimate blessedness and purpose fulfilled. The pursuit of spiritual maturity often involves prolonged endurance through challenging times, ultimately producing a settled character that honors God and reflects true wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 7 8 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:8 offers profound wisdom in two parallel proverbs, intimately connected in meaning. The first half declares the superiority of the end over the beginning, emphasizing that true assessment often comes at completion. This is not merely a statement about duration, but about maturation, perseverance, and the ultimate fruit. A long and difficult process may yield a valuable result, while an easy beginning might lead nowhere. The second half of the verse clarifies how a good end is achieved: through patience, contrasting it with pride. The "patient in spirit" is one who is steadfast, able to endure hardship and wait upon God’s timing without anger or impatience. This inner strength, rooted in humility, allows a person to navigate life's complexities and brings a favorable conclusion. In contrast, the "proud in spirit," marked by arrogance and impatience, tends to rush to judgment or action, resists counsel, and frequently faces downfall because their elevated self-perception clouds their judgment and invites opposition. Ultimately, the verse commends the enduring, humble spirit as the pathway to a truly fulfilling and meaningful completion of one's life and endeavors.