Ecclesiastes 7:8 net — The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride.

NET Bible

"The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride."

— Ecclesiastes 7:8, NET Bible

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Ecclesiastes 7:8 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 7 — Context

5

Frivolous Living Versus Wisdom It is better for a person to receive a rebuke from those who are wise than to listen to the song of fools.

6

For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This kind of folly also is useless.

7

Human Wisdom Overturned by Adversity Surely oppression can turn a wise person into a fool; likewise, a bribe corrupts the heart.

8

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

9

Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

10

Do not say,“Why were the old days better than these days?” for it is not wise to ask that.

11

Wisdom Can Lengthen One’s Life Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing; it benefits those who see the light of day.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 7:8 say?
Ecclesiastes 7:8 in the NET Bible reads: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride.”
Where is Ecclesiastes 7:8 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 7:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 7, verse 8.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 7:8.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 7:8 in?
Ecclesiastes 7:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 7:8?
Ecclesiastes 7:8 reads (NET): “The end of a matter is better than its beginning; likewise, patience is better than pride.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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