Ecclesiastes 7:5-7

e. A rebuke from the wise is better than the song of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:5-7

TEXT 7:5-7

5

It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of fools.

6

For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool, and this too is futility.

7

For oppression makes a wise man mad, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 7:5-7

182.

What is of greater profit than listening to the singing of fools?

183.

Discuss the lesson taught by the analogy of the crackling of thorn bushes, and the laughter of fools.

184.

State the two reasons given in verse seven for listening to a wise man.

PARAPHRASE 7:5-7

Grave admonitions which are directed toward us from a wise men are better than listening to the singing of fools. The laughter of fools accomplishes about as much as burning nettles under a kettleit is but a meaningless illusion. For oppression will make a wise man foolish and a bribe will destroy his understanding.

COMMENT 7:5-7

Solomon is still contending that one should maintain a good name and protect it. His argument has been that if we give sober consideration to the lessons gained from reflecting on death, rather than pursuing foolish pleasures, we will discover those truths which will enable us to protect our reputation. He continues to argue for the same cause. However, he now suggests that our attention should be directed toward the rebuke from wise men. If we listen and accept the admonition, this will cause us to develop into wise men, too.

Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is not encouragement that comes from the lips of the wise man, but stern rebuke. The idea is one of offering grave admonition that heals and strengthens while it wounds. Much of life is this way. Physical muscles must be broken down through hard work or exercise before they can be rebuilt with firmness and strength. Sometimes suffering is the direct result of sin. In such instances the sinner has found a friend when he discovers one who will rebuke him with the truth mingled with love and long-suffering. The rebuke of the wise is a blessing in disguise. Rebuke, with a view to repentance and renewal of spirit, has always been characteristic of God's prophetic word. Prophets, apostles and gospel preachers have all lived under the same mandate to speak, exhort and reprove (Titus 2:15).

The listening to the singing of fools is the equivalent of luxuriating with the world in pleasure and mirth. In such circumstances one is seldom confronted with a rebuke which leads to godly sorrow and healing of the soul. The reason is simple: wise men are not found singing songs that fools sing or frequenting places where fools seek pleasure and mirth.

Ecclesiastes 7:6 The lesson taught in the former verse is now illustrated by a simple but vivid analogy. The laughter of fools is short-lived, meaningless, loud, and without lasting value. In like manner, quick-burning, dried thorn bushes will crack and pop while appearing to give lasting heat beneath the kettle. However, their contribution to the cooking process is meaningless. In the original Hebrew, there appears to be a play on words which may be translated in our language as nettles under the kettle. The point of the lesson is that the laughter of fools is a temporary contribution without redeeming value.

The oft-defined vanity is once more employed to underscore the uselessness of mirth and pleasure. That which once gave occasion for joy and laughter now lies in ashes. James summarized the lesson in the following words, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to gloom (James 4:8-9).

Ecclesiastes 7:7 One needs to safeguard his good name and maintain personal integrity. Especially is vigilance required when oppression is rampant and the universal practice of bribe-taking is corrupting the hearts of influential leaders. Rulers, who are tempted (Cf. Proverbs 16:8), need the rebuke of wise men just as those who are poor and suffer under oppression. The Jewish tradition surrounding Proverbs 31:1-9 is that in this section Solomon's mother is reprimanding him because he failed to act wisely. Her words conclude, Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. When one is given to strong drink he cannot judge wisely. In like manner, when one is influenced by a bribe he renders distorted judgments.

A corresponding observation concerning the destructive nature of taking a bribe is found in Proverbs 15:27. The heart is corrupted to the point where a man will abandon wisdom and sound judgment. The bribe-taker has fallen prey to compromise. He is now vulnerable to numerous areas of corruption. A reflection of verse five enables the reader to weigh the warning in the light of a positive declaration.

Numerous writers have expressed attitudes that verse seven is misplaced and unrelated to the preceding materials. However, the theme of this section, the protection of a good name through wise behavior, is threatened by oppression and bribe taking. The idea is that a wise man will safeguard himself against both hazards.

FACT QUESTIONS 7:5-7

330.

Identify the objective that is still being sought by Solomon.

331.

Define the term rebuke as it is used in verse five.

332.

Explain what is meant by the singing of fools.

333.

What similarities exist between the singing of fools and the crackling of thorn bushes?

334.

In what sense is such singing vanity?

335.

Name the two dangers facing a wise man which are found in verse seven.

336.

Which of these two dangers would one consider the greater threat to a ruler?

337.

Explain why verse seven is not out of place in this section.