Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Sorrow—such as arises from serious thoughts of eternity.
laughter—reckless mirth (Ecclesiastes 2:2).
by the sadness . . . better— (Psalms 126:5-6; II Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 12:10-11). MAURER translates: "In sadness of countenance there is (may be) a good (cheerful) heart." So Hebrew, for "good," equivalent to "cheerful" (Ecclesiastes 11:9); but the parallel clause supports English Version.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Ecclesiastes 7:3:
Ecclesiastes 9:5
Ecclesiastes 12:13
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