Verse Comparison: Ecclesiastes 7:3
American Standard Version
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.
Amplified® Bible
Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better {and} gains gladness.
Contemporary English Version
Choose sorrow over laughter because a sad face may hide a happy heart.
Darby English Version
Vexation is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Good News Bible
Sorrow is better than laughter; it may sadden your face, but it sharpens your understanding.
King James Version
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
New American Standard Bible
Sorrow is better than laughter, For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.
New International Version
Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
New King James Version
Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
Sorrow has more value than laughter, For when a face shows sadness a heart may feel happy.
Revised Standard Version
Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of countenance the heart is made glad.
Young's Literal Translation
Better `is' sorrow than laughter, For by the sadness of the face the heart becometh better.