“Thanks, I Needed That”

(Ecclesiastes 7:5-6)

Mike Johnson

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.  For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.”

In this verse, the writer contrasts the “rebuke of the wise” and the “song of fools.”  The song by the fool refers to light-hearted words — any words which are of no value.  Flattery could be a primary application.  The song of fools is compared in the verses to a “crackling of thorns under a pot.”  A fire with thorns as its fuel will quickly flame up but only last for a short time.  Like the song of fools, it is of little value.

This teaching goes against the inclinations of most.  Most of us would probably prefer the song of a fool than a rebuke from someone.  When associated with flattery, the song of fools is like candy for our ears; rebuke from the wise can be like a slap in the face.

Christians have a responsibility, with humility and love, to rebuke and admonish others (James 5:19, Gal. 6:1, 1 Tim. 4:1-4).  We need reproof from time to time, and we should receive it with the right attitude.   We must examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5) and make corrections when wrong (James 1:22-25).  Admonishment can save our souls from spiritual death — it can keep us from Hell!  We should appreciate the efforts of those who are sincerely trying to help us.  Proverbs 27:5 points out, “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.”

People who come to talk to us about our shortcomings are risking the possibility of negative responses as so many tend to take offense. Recognizing this risk, Paul once asked the Galatians (Gal. 5:16), “Have I, therefore, become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”  Paul was willing to risk becoming an enemy to tell these people what they needed to hear.

Which is best, the song of fools or the rebuke of a wise person?  The songs of fools do not challenge us. These songs may make us feel better initially, where the rebuke of a wise person may make us feel bad at first, but it is better in the long run. Proverbs 28:23 says, “He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.” Indeed, the rebuke of the wise is the better of the two.