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“The end of a thing is better than its beginning;
The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Do not be hasty in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools.”
*(Ecclesiastes 7:8–9 NKJV)*
Here is a principle that governs much of God’s dealings with His people: God is more interested in how you finish than in how you start. Many start well. Fewer finish well. Scripture consistently emphasizes the end, the outcome, the fruit, not merely the beginning or the appearance.
In these verses we have three key contrasts:
1. End vs. Beginning
2. Patient in spirit vs. Proud in spirit
3. Self-controlled spirit vs. Angry, foolish spirit
These are not merely moral exhortations. They reveal spiritual laws that operate in every believer’s life. If we understand and cooperate with these laws, we set ourselves on a path to “better endings” in every area of our lives: character, ministry, relationships, and eternal destiny.
The lyrics simply repeat the Scripture. That repetition is not accidental. In the Bible, repetition is emphasis. The Holy Spirit is underlining this: how you end matters; your inner attitude—patient or proud, controlled or angry—will largely determine that end.
Let us see what the Word of God says, and then learn how to apply it in a disciplined, practical way.
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Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon, “the son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1). Whether originally penned by Solomon or compiled in his name, the book reflects the reflections of a man who has tasted wisdom, wealth, pleasure, achievement, and yet has discovered that life “under the sun” is vanity if God is left out.
Solomon’s life itself is an illustration of our passage. He began brilliantly. God gave him wisdom, riches, and honor (1 Kings 3:11–13). The Queen of Sheba marveled at his wisdom and prosperity (1 Kings 10). Yet his end was tragic. His foreign wives turned his heart after other gods (1 Kings 11:4). His kingdom was torn after his death.
He began well. He did not end well.
Ecclesiastes is written from the perspective of a man who has seen the emptiness of a life built on human wisdom and human achievement alone. In chapter 7, the writer is giving us proverbs about what is truly beneficial.
In verses 1–6 he tells us that the day of death is better than the day of birth, the house of mourning is better than the house of feasting, sorrow is better than laughter—because these things confront us with ultimate reality. Then in verse 8 he continues with the same contrast:
> “The end of a thing is better than its beginning.”
This is not cynicism. It is realism under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Beginnings can be deceptive. Only the end shows what something really is.
Then he shifts to the inner disposition that will determine whether our endings are better or worse:
> “The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
> “Do not be hasty in your spirit to be angry,
> For anger rests in the bosom of fools.”
Notice the focus: spirit—patient in spirit, proud in spirit, hasty in spirit. God always works from the inside out. Your outer story is the outworking of your inner condition.
In the context of Ecclesiastes, these verses warn us against superficial evaluations and quick, emotional reactions. Under pressure, under delay, under disappointment, what is in your spirit will be revealed. And that will determine how your story ends.
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To gain a deeper understanding, we will look at two key Hebrew words: “end” and “patient in spirit.”
### 3.1 “End” – *’acharit* (אַחֲרִית)
The word translated “end” in verse 8 is *’acharit*. This word is very important in Hebrew theology. It does not only mean “final moment” or “stopping point.” It often carries the nuance of outcome, future, final state, destiny.
For example:
*(Proverbs 23:18)*
*(Psalm 37:37)*
*(Jeremiah 29:11)*
So when Scripture says:
> “The *end* (*acharit*) of a thing is better than its beginning,”
it implies: *The outcome, the final state, the destiny of a matter—seen from God’s perspective—is more important and more beneficial than the first impression or the initial stage.*
This immediately corrects an emotional, short-term view of life. Many things look promising at the beginning yet end in ruin. Others appear small, insignificant, even painful at the start, yet end in glory and fruitfulness. God evaluates by *acharit*—by the end, by the ultimate outcome.
### 3.2 “Patient in spirit” – *’erek ruach* (אֶרֶךְ רוּחַ)
“Patient in spirit” is literally *’erek ruach*—“long of spirit.” The word *’erek* is used in the famous expression “slow to anger” or “longsuffering” about God Himself:
*(Exodus 34:6)*
*’Apayim* means “nostrils” or “anger” (anger showing in flared nostrils). *’Erek apayim* means “long before anger”—slow to become angry.
In Ecclesiastes 7:8, the same root *’erek* is applied to the spirit (*ruach*)—“long in spirit.” A person who is *’erek ruach* does not react quickly, does not explode emotionally, does not give up under pressure. There is length, endurance, capacity in his inner man.
Opposite to that is “proud in spirit.” Pride is *short* in spirit—impatient, self-centered, quickly offended, quickly angry.
So the verse means:
> The one whose inner man is long, enduring, and slow-reacting is better, more excellent, more valuable, than the one whose inner man is inflated with pride, quick to assert itself, quick to take offense.
This leads naturally into verse 9:
> “Do not be hasty in your spirit to be angry,
> For anger rests in the bosom of fools.”
“Bosom” here is the inner chest, the place where something dwells. Anger is not just a momentary flash. For the fool, it finds a home there. It settles, it abides, it shapes decisions. That inner condition will determine the *acharit*, the end.
Thus, the word study shows us: better endings belong to those who cultivate a “long spirit,” not a proud, short-tempered, anger-driven spirit.
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The lyrics repeat the Scripture:
> The end of a thing is better than its beginning.
> The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
> Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry,
> for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
We will unpack these lines using other Scriptures. Scripture interprets Scripture.
### 4.1 “The end of a thing is better than its beginning”
This statement runs through the whole Bible. God is the God of the end.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” *(Revelation 22:13)*
He is not only the One who starts our faith; He is the One who brings it to completion.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” *(Hebrews 12:2)*
Job’s beginning was prosperous, then disaster came. Yet:
“Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.”
*(Job 42:12)*
His *acharit* was better than his start, not because the process was easy, but because God was at work through it.
Joseph’s beginning in the narrative is a favored son with dreams. He is then betrayed, enslaved, imprisoned. If you judged by the beginning, you would have despised him. But God’s assessment is by the end:
“You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good… to save many people alive.”
*(Genesis 50:20)*
His end—governor of Egypt, savior of his family—was far better than his beginning.
Israel began with great miracles—Passover, the Red Sea, manna. But their unbelief, complaining, and rebellion meant that most did not enter the promised land (Hebrews 3–4).
Their beginning was glorious. Their end, for that generation, was tragic.
In light of this, we must ask: *How does God evaluate my life?* Not by the excitement of my conversion experience, not by the apparent success of early ministry, not by initial promises and prophecies, but by the end product—the final character formed in me, the faith I keep, the obedience I walk in.
Jesus said:
> “He who endures to the end shall be saved.”
> *(Matthew 24:13)*
Endurance is the proof of genuine faith. The end is better for those who endure.
### 4.2 “The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit”
Here we touch the core of Christian character. Scripture consistently exalts patience (endurance) and condemns pride.
In the New Testament, the word for patient endurance is *hypomonē*—remaining under, staying steadfast under pressure.
“But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance (*hypomonē*); and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” *(Romans 5:3–4)*
God uses pressures to produce endurance. Endurance produces tested character. Tested character leads to unshakable hope. That is a better end.
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” *(James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5)*
Pride is not just a personality trait. It brings God’s resistance. You cannot have a blessed end while God is resisting your inner attitude.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 says: “The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Why?
Because the patient in spirit cooperates with God’s methods. God works through process, through time, through testing. The proud in spirit wants instant recognition, instant results, instant vindication. When that does not happen, he becomes offended, bitter, or rebellious.
Consider two biblical contrasts:
Saul was proud in spirit. He could not wait for Samuel. He took priestly functions into his own hands. Samuel said:
“You have done foolishly… now your kingdom shall not continue.” *(1 Samuel 13:13–14)*
David, by contrast, was patient in spirit. Though anointed as king, he waited years while persecuted by Saul. He refused to take the kingdom by force, refused to kill Saul when he had the chance. His patience in spirit prepared him to rule.
Moses endured forty years in the desert. God formed in him meekness and patience. Numbers 12:3:
“Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.”
The generation he led out of Egypt was proud in spirit—constantly complaining, testing God, demanding their own way. They perished in the wilderness. Moses, though himself disciplined for disobedience, is honored as a faithful servant in all God’s house (Hebrews 3:5).
The proud in spirit do not finish well. Pride and impatience consistently sabotage good beginnings.
### 4.3 “Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry”
Anger itself, in Scripture, is not always sin. God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11). Jesus looked around with anger at the hardness of hearts (Mark 3:5). But human anger is dangerous. James 1:19–20:
> “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 warns about being hasty in spirit to be angry. This is the opposite of *’erek ruach*—long of spirit. A hasty spirit is a short fuse, quick to react, quick to retaliate.
Proverbs is full of warnings:
A man who conquers cities but cannot control his own spirit will have a bad end. The uncontrolled inner life will eventually ruin external achievements.
### 4.4 “For anger rests in the bosom of fools”
This is a decisive statement. Anger is not only about moments. It can rest. It can dwell. It can become a permanent tenant in the heart. And Scripture says: *that is the condition of fools.*
In biblical terms, a fool is not merely unintelligent. A fool is one who refuses God’s wisdom, rejects God’s ways, and lives by his own impulses.
When anger “rests in the bosom,” it becomes:
Because of this, anger that is cherished and retained guarantees bad endings. Marriages are destroyed. Ministries collapse. Relationships are broken. Bodies become sick. Minds become tormented.
The New Testament commands:
> “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”
> *(Ephesians 4:26–27)*
Anger that is not dealt with quickly becomes a “place” for the devil—a territory he occupies in the soul. That is anger resting in the bosom. Ecclesiastes calls the person who allows this a fool. Paul shows the spiritual consequence: you give Satan an opportunity.
Therefore, if we desire better endings, we must deal with anger promptly, thoroughly, and ruthlessly.
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We have seen the principles. Now we must apply them. God’s Word is not theory. It is for practice. I will give four clear steps.
### 5.1 First: Shift from “beginning-thinking” to “end-thinking”
Most people are impressed by beginnings: new jobs, new relationships, new ministries, new spiritual experiences. But God emphasizes the end.
Make a conscious decision: *I will evaluate everything in my life by its end, its outcome, its fruit.*
Practical actions:
“We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.”
### 5.2 Second: Cultivate a “long spirit” through submission and endurance
Patience in spirit is not natural. It is formed through submission to God and endurance under trial.
Key truths:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (*hypomonē*).” *(James 1:2–3)*
“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” *(James 1:4)*
Practical actions:
### 5.3 Third: Humble yourself; renounce pride in spirit
Pride is the great enemy of better endings. The proud in spirit will not accept God’s timing, God’s methods, or God’s corrections.
Key truths:
Practical actions:
### 5.4 Fourth: Deal decisively with anger; close the door to the devil
Anger that rests in the bosom is not compatible with a blessed end. You must treat retained anger as spiritual poison.
Key truths:
Practical actions:
1. Identify hidden anger:
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where anger, resentment, or unforgiveness is lodged in your heart—toward people, institutions, even God.
2. Confess and repent:
Name it as sin:
“Lord, I confess my anger and bitterness toward ____. I repent. I turn from it.”
3. Forgive by an act of the will:
Forgiveness is not feeling. It is decision.
Say: *“In the name of Jesus, I forgive ____. I release them from my judgment. I cancel their debt to me.”*
4. Renounce the devil’s foothold:
Declare aloud: *“I close every door I have opened to Satan through anger and unforgiveness. I renounce his claims over my emotions. The blood of Jesus cleanses me.”*
5. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s fruit:
“Holy Spirit, fill my heart with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, and self-control” (cf. Galatians 5:22–23).
If you persist in these steps, anger will no longer “rest in your bosom.” It may knock at the door, but it will not be allowed to settle.
---
### Proclamation
Say this out loud, slowly and deliberately, as an act of faith:
> I affirm today that God is the God of my end, not only my beginning.
> According to Ecclesiastes 7:8–9,
> the end of a thing is better than its beginning.
> By the grace of God, my end will be better than my beginning.
>
> I choose to be patient in spirit, not proud in spirit.
> I submit to God’s processes in my life.
> I embrace His timing, His discipline, and His ways.
>
> I refuse to be hasty in my spirit to be angry.
> I renounce anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness.
> Anger will not rest in my bosom.
> I close every door I have opened to Satan through anger.
> The blood of Jesus cleanses my heart and my emotions.
>
> I humble myself under the mighty hand of God,
> that He may exalt me in due time.
> By the power of the Holy Spirit,
> I will endure to the end,
> and my end shall be blessed,
> to the glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.
### Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that Your Word declares: the end of a thing is better than its beginning. I bring my life before You—my past, my present, and my future. I ask You to work in me that patient spirit which is precious in Your sight.
Lord, expose every area of pride in my spirit. I choose to humble myself under Your mighty hand. Forgive me where I have reacted in haste, in anger, in self-will. By the blood of Jesus, cleanse me from every stain of bitterness and resentment.
Holy Spirit, form in me a “long spirit”—a spirit that is slow to anger, rich in endurance, steadfast under pressure. Enable me to rule my spirit by Your power. I surrender my emotions, my reactions, my tongue, and my attitudes to the Lordship of Jesus.
Let every foothold of Satan gained through anger be broken now in Jesus’ name. Let every chain of unforgiveness be loosed. Fill me afresh with Your love, Your peace, and Your self-control.
I ask that, according to Your promise, my *acharit*, my end, will be peace and fruitfulness. Cause me to finish my course with joy and to stand before Jesus on that Day as one who has endured to the end. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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