Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Sorrow - such as arises from serious thoughts of eternity. The Hebrew Kahas is translated anger in Ecclesiastes 7:9. Here it is commended; there it is condemned. The anger which is felt against our own sin (whence flows God's anger) is good, because it is substantially repentance. The anger which breaks forth against God and His dealings is evil (Lamentations 3:39-42).
Is better than laughter - reckless mirth (Ecclesiastes 2:2).
By the sadness of the countenance - (Psalms 126:5-6; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Hebrews 12:10-11.) Hengstenberg translates, 'When the countenance looks sad, the heart becomes merry.' So the Hebrew for "good" ( yiyTab (H3190)) is translated in Ecclesiastes 9:7, "a merry heart." Sadness sits on the surface, while joy reigns within. The world's happiness makes the countenance radiant, but leaves the heart sad. True joy is only there where the heart is right; sadness often conduces to this. But the parallel clause supports the English version.