7 Surely oppression maketh the wise mad, And a gift destroyeth the heart. 8 Better 'is' the latter end of a thing than its beginning, Better 'is' the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit. 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, For anger in the bosom of fools resteth. 10 Say not thou, 'What was it, That the former days were better than these?' For thou hast not asked wisely of this.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:7-10
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:7-10
(Read Ecclesiastes 7:7-10)
The event of our trials and difficulties is often better than at first we thought. Surely it is better to be patient in spirit, than to be proud and hasty. Be not soon angry, nor quick in resenting an affront. Be not long angry; though anger may come into the bosom of a wise man, it passes through it as a way-faring man; it dwells only in the bosom of fools. It is folly to cry out upon the badness of our times, when we have more reason to cry out for the badness of our own hearts; and even in these times we enjoy many mercies. It is folly to cry up the goodness of former times; as if former ages had not the like things to complain of that we have: this arises from discontent, and aptness to quarrel with God himself.