Ecclesiastes 7:5 kjv
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 nkjv
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 niv
It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 esv
It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 nlt
Better to be criticized by a wise person
than to be praised by a fool.
Ecclesiastes 7 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 9:8 | "Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you." | Wise accept correction. |
| Prov 13:1 | "A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke." | Wise embrace instruction. |
| Prov 15:5 | "A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who regards reproof is prudent." | Fools reject rebuke; prudent heed. |
| Prov 15:31 | "The ear that listens to life-giving rebuke will dwell among the wise." | Listening to rebuke leads to wisdom. |
| Prov 17:10 | "A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool." | Discerning people learn quickly from rebuke. |
| Prov 27:5-6 | "Better is open rebuke than hidden love... wounds from a friend can be trusted." | Open correction is superior to unexpressed love. |
| Prov 28:23 | "Whoever rebukes another will in the end gain favor rather than one who flatters with the tongue." | Rebuke gains respect over flattery. |
| Ps 141:5 | "Let the righteous strike me; it is a kindness; let him rebuke me; it is oil on my head..." | Welcoming righteous correction. |
| Heb 12:5-6, 11 | "Do not make light of the Lord’s discipline... no discipline seems pleasant... but later it produces a harvest..." | God's discipline is for spiritual growth. |
| 2 Tim 4:3-4 | "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears... will turn away..." | People prefer pleasant lies to hard truth. |
| Tit 1:13 | "Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith." | Sharp rebuke for spiritual health. |
| Eph 4:15 | "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way..." | Truthful speech promotes growth. |
| Gal 6:1-2 | "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him gently..." | Restoring through gentle correction. |
| Jas 1:22-25 | "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves..." | Act on truth, don't just hear it pleasantly. |
| 2 Pet 2:18-19 | "For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions those who are barely escaping from those who live in error." | Flattery from fools leads to sin. |
| Rom 15:1-2 | "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves..." | Build up others for good, not self-pleasure. |
| Col 3:16 | "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom..." | Mutual instruction and admonition among believers. |
| Job 6:25 | "How painful are honest words! But what does your arguing prove?" | Honesty, though painful, is valuable. |
| Prov 29:1 | "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing." | Refusing rebuke leads to destruction. |
| Jer 17:9-10 | "The heart is deceitful above all things... I the Lord search the heart and test the mind..." | Our hearts prefer deceit; truth makes us known. |
| Matt 7:26-27 | "And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand." | Hearing wise words and ignoring them is foolish. |
| Ps 119:71 | "It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes." | Affliction or pain (like rebuke) teaches wisdom. |
| 1 Thess 5:12,14 | "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you..." | Respect those who admonish. |
Ecclesiastes 7 verses
Ecclesiastes 7 5 Meaning
Ecclesiastes 7:5 asserts the profound advantage of receiving sharp correction from one who is wise over being entertained or flattered by those who are foolish. The verse contrasts the beneficial, though often uncomfortable, truth from a wise mentor with the deceptive and ultimately harmful pleasantries offered by fools, underscoring the vital role of disciplined instruction for genuine spiritual and personal growth.
Ecclesiastes 7 5 Context
Ecclesiastes chapter 7 presents a series of paradoxical proverbs by Qoheleth, the Teacher, challenging common assumptions about what constitutes a good or preferable outcome in life. The immediate context of verse 5 (7:1-12) suggests that seemingly negative experiences—such as the house of mourning, sorrow, rebuke, and adversity—are ultimately more beneficial for cultivating wisdom and a realistic perspective on life than their more outwardly pleasant counterparts like feasting, laughter, or flattery. Verse 7:5 specifically reinforces the theme introduced in 7:3 that "sorrow is better than laughter," by illustrating how the discomfort of wise correction contributes more to true wisdom than the superficial ease provided by folly. Historically, this perspective challenged prevailing cultural preferences for immediate pleasure and social harmony over confrontational truth, advocating instead for the disciplined pursuit of wisdom regardless of its short-term discomfort.
Ecclesiastes 7 5 Word analysis
- "better": Hebrew טוֹב (tov). This term denotes a practical and significant advantage, not merely a slight preference. Qoheleth frequently uses "better" to subvert conventional wisdom, arguing that what truly benefits us in God's sight may not align with our immediate desires for comfort or ease.
- "to hear": In biblical wisdom literature, "to hear" implies more than mere auditory perception; it denotes a receptive heart, an act of listening that leads to understanding, heeding, and obedient response. It signifies a willingness to internalize and act upon the received message.
- "the rebuke": Hebrew גַּעֲרָה (gaʿarah). This signifies a strong, firm, and often corrective verbal chastisement. It is not mere criticism, but a serious admonition aimed at correcting behavior or attitude for the individual's true good. This word can be used of God's sovereign rebuke against elements or enemies, highlighting its authoritative and potent nature.
- "of the wise": Hebrew חָכָם (chakham). Refers to a person possessing divine "chochmah" (wisdom), which encompasses not only intellectual understanding but practical skill in living righteously, discernment, and ethical uprightness. Their rebuke originates from deep insight, spiritual truth, and a genuine concern for the hearer's flourishing.
- "than": This conjunction intensifies the stark contrast drawn between the two alternatives, underscoring the vast superiority of the former.
- "to hear the song": Hebrew שִׁיר (shir). Represents pleasant words, flattery, superficial agreement, or trivial entertainment. While emotionally pleasing, it lacks substance or corrective power, catering to personal vanity or desires for comfort rather than fostering growth.
- "of fools": Hebrew כְּסִילִים (kesilim). This refers to the obstinate and morally defiant fool who rejects wisdom and despises correction. This type of fool is characterized by an ingrained refusal to learn from experience or truth. Their "song" is seductive and appealing to human pride or indolence, but it leads away from reality and into deeper spiritual danger by reinforcing one's shortcomings rather than addressing them.
Words-group analysis
- "to hear the rebuke of the wise": This phrase emphasizes the deliberate and humble reception of difficult but constructive counsel. It requires humility, a readiness for self-assessment, and trust in the wisdom and motives of the one offering correction. The underlying implication is that such reception leads to personal improvement and spiritual advancement.
- "than to hear the song of fools": This phrase highlights the destructive allure of insincere affirmation and empty entertainment from those lacking spiritual discernment. The "song" provides fleeting pleasure or validation, but ultimately provides no lasting benefit. It encourages stagnation in sin or folly, subtly eroding genuine self-awareness and leading one away from paths of righteousness, catering to fleshly desires.
Ecclesiastes 7 5 Bonus Section
- This verse represents a core aspect of biblical wisdom literature's polemic against societal tendencies to prioritize what "feels good" over what "is good," aligning with God's design for human flourishing through discipline.
- The "song of fools" can metaphorically represent any influence or message that appeals to comfort, ego, or complacency, distracting one from confronting inconvenient truths necessary for spiritual maturity. This applies to modern contexts where individuals might surround themselves with uncritical voices online.
- The Teacher consistently advocates for practical wisdom (chochmah) that engages with the hard realities of life, emphasizing that true profit and contentment are often found in experiences initially perceived as negative or unpleasant, especially when they foster righteousness.
Ecclesiastes 7 5 Commentary
Ecclesiastes 7:5 stands as a profound truth within Qoheleth's counter-intuitive wisdom. It teaches that the discomfort of honest, wise critique is far more beneficial for genuine life than the transient, superficial pleasure derived from the pleasant words or empty amusements of fools. A wise rebuke, though it may sting, cuts through self-deception and addresses the root of error, leading to the necessary introspection and repentance required for true growth. In contrast, the "song of fools" is mere flattery or idle talk that soothes without strengthening, provides validation without challenge, and ultimately perpetuates ignorance and unrighteousness. This verse powerfully calls believers to prioritize truth, however uncomfortable, from God-fearing counsel over the dangerous ease of affirming superficiality. It is an invitation to value rigorous discipleship and accountability above fleeting popularity or self-congratulation.