Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Western Saints

Jerome

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning; "Perorations are better in speaking, than just the introductory section. For worry comes to and end in the former, and commences in the latter. Or it could even mean this: he who begins to hear a speech, and goes to the teacher, is in first place. For indeed he who listens until the last is consumed and complete in learning. …

Commentary on Ecclesiastes ↗

Gregory the Dialogist

Further, through this vice of impatience for the most part the sin of arrogance pierces the mind; since, when any one is impatient of being looked down upon in this world, he endeavours to shew off any hidden good, that he may have, and so through impatience is drawn on to arrogance; and, while he cannot bear contempt, he glories ostentatiously in self-display. …

Pastoral Rule, Part 3, Chapter 9 ↗

Bonaventure

Here the fourth lesson is touched upon, in which it is taught that anger is to be fled, because it does not stand well with constancy; therefore he says: "Be not swift to anger": James 1: "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath." And the reason is added: "Because anger rests in the bosom of a fool"; Job 5: "Wrath kills the foolish man, and envy slays the little one." He well says "rests," on account of its duration: for the wise man, even if he grows angry, ought not to preserve it long: Ephesians 4: "Let …

Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Chapter 7 ↗