Matthew Poole and continuators on Ecclesiastes 7:8

8 Better is the end of a thing, than the beginning thereof : and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

If this verse relates to that next foregoing, it is an Argument to keep mens minds from being disordered, either by oppression or bribery, because the end of those practices will shew, that he who oppresseth another, doth himself most hurt by it, and that he who taketh Bribes is no gainer by them. But if this be independent upon the former, as divers other verses here are, it is a general and useful observation, that the good or evil of things is better known by their end, than by their beginning; which is true both in evil Counsels and Courses, which are pleasant at first, but at last bring destruction, and in all noble Enterprizes, in the studies of Learning, and in the practice of Virtue and Godliness, where the beginnings are difficult and troublesom, but in the progress and conclusion they are most easie and comfortable, and it is not sufficient to begin well, unless we persevere to the end, which crowns all.

Who quietly waits for the end and issue of things, and is willing to bear hardships and inconveniences in the mean time.

Which he puts instead of hasty or impatient, which the opposition might seem to require, partly because Pride is the chief cause of impatience, Prov. 13. 10. and makes men unable to bear any thing, either from God or from Men, whereas Humility makes Men sensible of their own unworthiness, and that they deserve, at least from God, all the indignities and injuries which they suffer from Men by Gods permission, and therefore patient under them; and partly to correct the vulgar errour of proud men, who think highly of themselves, and trample all others, especially such as are meek and patient, under their feet.

Marginal references: Pro. 24. 29.