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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:4">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 7:5 <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise person Than for one to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise man <i>and</i> pursue wisdom Than for one to listen to the song of fools <i>and</i> pursue stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is better to listen to rebuke from a wise person than to listen to the song of fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is better to listen to rebuke from a wise person than to listen to the song of fools, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Correction from someone wise is better by far than praise from fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It is better to listen to wise people who reprimand you than to fools who sing your praises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is better to have wise people reprimand you than to have stupid people sing your praises. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It is better to listen to a wise person's rebuke than to listen to the praise of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is better to heed a wise man?s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is better for a person to receive a rebuke from those who are wise than to listen to the song of fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better to hear a rebuke of a wise man, "" Than [for] a man to hear a song of fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better to hear a rebuke of a wise man, Than for a man to hear a song of fools,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good to hear the reproof of the wise one, above a man hearing the song of the foolish:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is better to be rebuked by a wise man, than to be deceived by the flattery of fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 7:6>It is better to be corrected by a wise man, than to be deceived by the false praise of the foolish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise than to listen to the song of fools; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Better to hear the reproof of the wise than a man who hears the song of fools<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, Than for a man to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> better to hear a reproof of a wise man, than for a man to hear the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1195" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">The Value of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">It is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: liš·mō·a‘ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">to heed</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">a wise man’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1606.htm" title="1606: ga·‘ă·raṯ (N-fsc) -- A rebuke. From ga'ar; a chiding.">rebuke</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: mê·’îš (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šō·mê·a‘ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">to listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: šîr (N-msc) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">to the song</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: kə·sî·lîm (N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of fools.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Proverbs 27:6</a></span><br />The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Proverbs 15:31</a></span><br />He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8</a></span><br />Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Proverbs 13:18</a></span><br />Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Proverbs 25:12</a></span><br />Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Proverbs 17:10</a></span><br />A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5</a></span><br />Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Proverbs 12:1</a></span><br />Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Proverbs 19:25</a></span><br />Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-23.htm">Proverbs 28:23</a></span><br />He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2</a></span><br />Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Hebrews 12:11</a></span><br />No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-19.htm">James 5:19-20</a></span><br />My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a></span><br />Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.</p><p class="hdg">better</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5</a></b></br> Let the righteous smite me; <i>it shall be</i> a kindness: and let him reprove me; <i>it shall be</i> an excellent oil, <i>which</i> shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also <i>shall be</i> in their calamities.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8</a></b></br> Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Proverbs 13:13</a></b></br> Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.</p><p class="hdg">the song</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-12.htm">Psalm 69:12</a></b></br> They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I <i>was</i> the song of the drunkards.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-23.htm">Note</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/psalms/149-1.htm">Song</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-21.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-21.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-21.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-12.htm">Note</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-7.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-4.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Song</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">remedies against vanity are, a good name</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">mortification</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">patience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">The difficulty of wisdom</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of wisdom and correction over superficial pleasures. In biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). A wise man's rebuke is constructive, aiming to guide and correct, much like the role of prophets in the Old Testament who called people back to righteousness (e.g., Nathan rebuking David in <a href="/2_samuel/12.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-14</a>). The Hebrew culture valued wisdom highly, as seen in the wisdom literature of the Bible, including Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The rebuke from a wise man is akin to the discipline of a loving father (<a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Proverbs 3:11-12</a>), which is intended for growth and improvement.<p><b>than to listen to the song of fools</b><br>The "song of fools" represents frivolity and the empty pleasures of life that distract from true wisdom and understanding. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, music and songs were often used in celebrations and could sometimes lead to indulgence and moral laxity, as seen in the revelry of the Israelites with the golden calf (<a href="/exodus/32-6.htm">Exodus 32:6</a>). The contrast here is between temporary enjoyment and lasting wisdom. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, warning against being led astray by empty words (<a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Ephesians 5:6</a>). The "song of fools" can be seen as a metaphor for the seductive nature of sin, which offers immediate gratification but ultimately leads to destruction (<a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer insights into the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_man.htm">Wise Man</a></b><br>Represents those who possess godly wisdom and understanding, often providing guidance and correction that leads to spiritual growth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fools.htm">Fools</a></b><br>In biblical terms, fools are those who reject wisdom and live in a way that is contrary to God's principles. Their "songs" symbolize empty or frivolous distractions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to which Solomon belonged, often the context for his teachings and reflections.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly</a></b><br>Ecclesiastes is often seen as a collection of teachings meant for the assembly of God's people, offering practical and spiritual guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_correction.htm">Value of Correction</a></b><br>Embrace correction as a tool for growth. A wise rebuke, though uncomfortable, can lead to personal and spiritual development.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_listening.htm">Discernment in Listening</a></b><br>Develop discernment to distinguish between valuable counsel and empty distractions. Prioritize voices that align with biblical wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_receiving_feedback.htm">Humility in Receiving Feedback</a></b><br>Cultivate humility to accept rebuke without defensiveness. Recognize that God often uses others to refine and guide us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_foolish_distractions.htm">Avoiding Foolish Distractions</a></b><br>Be wary of engaging in activities or conversations that offer no spiritual benefit. Focus on what edifies and builds up your faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Actively seek out wise mentors and godly counsel. Surround yourself with those who challenge and encourage you in your walk with Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_folly.htm">What does the Bible say about foolishness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_7_16_conflict_with_matthew_6_33.htm">In Ecclesiastes 7:16, being 'overly righteous' is discouraged--doesn't this conflict with biblical commands to live righteously (e.g., Matthew 6:33)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_26_on_fools.htm">Proverbs 26 (overall): How do we reconcile the repeated harshness toward 'fools' with biblical themes of mercy, forgiveness, and understanding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_proverbs_26_4-5_contradict.htm">Why do Proverbs 26:4-5 seem contradictory?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise.</span> <span class="accented">Gearah</span>, "rebuke," is the word used in Proverbs for the grave admonition which heals and strengthens while it wounds (see <a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Proverbs 13:1</a>; <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Proverbs 17:10</a>). The silent lessons which a man learns from the contemplation of others' sorrow are rightly supplemented by the salutary correction of the wise man's tongue. <span class="cmt_word">Than for a man to hear the song of fools.</span> <span class="accented">Shir</span>, "<span class="accented">song</span>," is a general term used of sacred or profane song; the connection here with the second clause of ver. 4, etc., leads one to think of the hoister-cue, reckless, often immodest, singing heard in the house of revelry, such as Amos (<a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Amos 6:5</a>) calls "idle songs to the sound of the viol" Koheleth might have heard these in his own country, without drawing his experience from the license of Greek practice or the impurity of Greek lyrics. The Vulgate renders the clause, <span class="accented">Quum stultorum adulatione decipi</span>, Than to be deceived by the flattery of tools." This is a paraphrase; the correctness is negatived by the explanation given in the following verse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">It is better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֕וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to heed</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a wise man’s</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rebuke</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּעֲרַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(ga·‘ă·raṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1606.htm">Strong's 1606: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chiding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאִ֕ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to listen</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁמֵ֖עַ</span> <span class="translit">(šō·mê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the song</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֥יר</span> <span class="translit">(šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of fools.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּסִילִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(kə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>