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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 7:6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/21_Ecc_07_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 7:6 - The Value of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.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/7-5.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:5">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 7:6 <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:7">►</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 />Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so <i>is</i> the laughter of the fool: this also <i>is</i> vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, So <i>is</i> the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is futility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is futility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool, And this too is futility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For as the <i>crackling</i> sound of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For like the crackling of [burning] thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is vanity (futility).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for like the crackling of burning thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for like the crackling of burning thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Foolish laughter is stupid. It sounds like thorns crackling in a fire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The laughter of a fool is like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot. Even this is pointless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When a fool laughs, it is like thorns crackling in a fire. It doesn't mean a thing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For as thorns burn to heat a pot, so also is the laughter of the fool— even this is pointless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This kind of folly also is useless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For as the noise of thorns under the pot, "" So [is] the laughter of a fool, even this [is] vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For as the noise of thorns under the pot, So is the laughter of a fool, even this is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For as the voice of thorns under the pot, so the laughter of the foolish one. Also this is vanity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of a fool: now this also is vanity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 7:7>For, like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of the foolish. But this, too, is emptiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the fool’s laughter. This also is vanity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of fools; this also is vanity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of fools; this is also vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For like the sound of thorns under a metal pot, so is the laughter of fools, and this also is futility<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; this also is vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As the sound of thorns under a caldron, so is the laughter of fools: this is also vanity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/7-6.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=1202" 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">5</span>It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: ḵə·qō·wl (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">like the crackling</a> <a href="/hebrew/5518.htm" title="5518: has·sî·rîm (Art:: N-fp) -- Or ciyrah; or cirah; from a primitive root meaning to boil up; a pot; also a thorn; by implication, a hook.">of thorns</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">under</a> <a href="/hebrew/5518.htm" title="5518: has·sîr (Art:: N-cs) -- Or ciyrah; or cirah; from a primitive root meaning to boil up; a pot; also a thorn; by implication, a hook.">the pot,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">so</a> <a href="/hebrew/7814.htm" title="7814: śə·ḥōq (N-msc) -- Laughter, derision, sport. Or schoq; from sachaq; laughter.">is the laughter</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: hak·kə·sîl (Art:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of the fool.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">This</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">too</a> <a href="/hebrew/1892.htm" title="1892: hā·ḇel (N-ms) -- Or Habel; from habal; emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb.">is futile.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.…<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/14-13.htm">Proverbs 14:13</a></span><br />Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23</a></span><br />The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18-19</a></span><br />Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, / so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9</a></span><br />If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Psalm 37:12-13</a></span><br />The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, / but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18-20</a></span><br />Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. / How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! / Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Isaiah 5:12</a></span><br />At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/24-7.htm">Isaiah 24:7-9</a></span><br />The new wine dries up, the vine withers. All the merrymakers now groan. / The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent. / They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/20-5.htm">Job 20:5</a></span><br />the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">Matthew 11:16-17</a></span><br />To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: / ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-25.htm">Luke 6:25</a></span><br />Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19-20</a></span><br />Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">1 Corinthians 15:32</a></span><br />If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.</p><p class="hdg">as</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:2</a></b></br> I said of laughter, <i>It is</i> mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-9.htm">Psalm 58:9</a></b></br> Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in <i>his</i> wrath.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12</a></b></br> They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.</p><p class="hdg">crackling</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Proverbs 29:9</a></b></br> <i>If</i> a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, <i>there is</i> no rest.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/30-7.htm">Bushes</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Cracking</a> <a href="/joel/2-5.htm">Crackling</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-8.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Futility</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Laughter</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-21.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Thorn</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Vanity</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/7-19.htm">Bushes</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Cracking</a> <a href="/joel/2-5.htm">Crackling</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Futility</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Laughter</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Meaningless</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-4.htm">Noise</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-6.htm">Pot</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-6.htm">Thorn</a> <a href="/songs/2-1.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Vanity</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>For like the crackling of thorns under the pot</b><br>The imagery of thorns crackling under a pot is a vivid metaphor. In ancient times, thorns were often used as kindling because they ignited quickly and burned with a bright flame, but they provided little lasting heat. This reflects the transient and superficial nature of foolish laughter. The quick ignition and rapid consumption of thorns symbolize the fleeting and insubstantial nature of folly. In biblical context, thorns often represent sin and its consequences (<a href="/genesis/3-18.htm">Genesis 3:18</a>), suggesting that the laughter of fools is rooted in a sinful, unproductive life. The use of thorns also connects to the curse of the ground, highlighting the futility and frustration of life under sin.<p><b>so is the laughter of the fool</b><br>The laughter of the fool is compared to the crackling of thorns, emphasizing its emptiness and lack of substance. In the wisdom literature of the Bible, fools are often characterized by their disregard for wisdom and understanding (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). Their laughter is not a sign of true joy or contentment but rather a shallow, momentary distraction from the realities of life. This laughter is devoid of the depth and meaning found in the joy of the wise, which is rooted in the fear of the Lord. The fool's laughter is ultimately self-deceptive, masking the deeper issues of the heart and the consequences of living apart from God's wisdom.<p><b>This too is futile</b><br>The declaration of futility underscores the central theme of Ecclesiastes: the vanity and meaninglessness of life when lived apart from God. The Hebrew word for "futile" (hebel) is often translated as "vanity" or "meaninglessness" and appears frequently throughout Ecclesiastes. It conveys the idea of something transient, elusive, and ultimately unsatisfying. This statement serves as a reminder that pursuits and pleasures, when detached from a relationship with God, are ultimately empty. The futility of the fool's laughter is a microcosm of the broader human experience without divine purpose. This aligns with the overarching message of Ecclesiastes, which points to the necessity of fearing God and keeping His commandments as the true path to meaning and fulfillment (<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13</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. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature attributed to him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/fools.htm">Fools</a></b><br>In the context of Ecclesiastes, fools are those who live without regard for God’s wisdom, often pursuing fleeting pleasures and superficial joys.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/thorns.htm">Thorns</a></b><br>In ancient times, thorns were often used as kindling. They burn quickly and noisily but provide little lasting heat, symbolizing the transient and empty nature of foolish laughter.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/pots.htm">Pots</a></b><br>Represents the vessel of life or the situation in which one finds themselves. The pot is heated by the fire, just as life is influenced by the actions and attitudes of individuals.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/laughter.htm">Laughter</a></b><br>In this context, laughter is symbolic of superficial joy or merriment that lacks depth and substance, often associated with foolishness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_superficial_joy.htm">The Futility of Superficial Joy</a></b><br>The laughter of fools is compared to the crackling of thorns, highlighting its temporary and insubstantial nature. True joy is found in a life aligned with God’s wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_depth_in_life.htm">The Importance of Depth in Life</a></b><br>Just as thorns burn quickly and provide little heat, a life focused on superficial pleasures lacks depth and lasting impact. Seek deeper, more meaningful pursuits.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_over_folly.htm">Wisdom Over Folly</a></b><br>The passage encourages choosing wisdom over folly. While foolishness may offer immediate gratification, it ultimately leads to emptiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_life's_purpose.htm">Reflecting on Life’s Purpose</a></b><br>This verse invites believers to reflect on what brings true fulfillment and to prioritize spiritual growth and godly wisdom over fleeting pleasures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_godly_wisdom.htm">The Role of Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>Godly wisdom provides lasting joy and fulfillment, contrasting with the temporary satisfaction of foolish pursuits. Pursue wisdom through prayer, study, and application of God’s Word.<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/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_are_noah_and_job_called_righteous.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:20 claims no one is righteous--how does this align with biblical figures like Noah and Job who are described as righteous?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_answer_every_prayer.htm">Does God answer all prayers? (Matthew 7:7-8 vs. 1 John 5:14-15)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_42_contradict_divine_justice.htm">Why does the final chapter (Job 42) seemingly contradict earlier statements about divine justice and fairness, hinting that God's blessing can be won through passive endurance?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) There is again a play on words, which German translators represent by "the crackling of nettle under the kettle," and Plumptre "the crackling of stubble which makes the pot bubble." The reference plainly is to the quick blazing up and quick going out of the flame.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For as the crackling of thorns under a pot.</span> There is a play of words in the Hebrew, "The crackling of <span class="accented">sirim</span> under <span class="accented">a sir</span>," which Wright expresses by translating, "Like the noise of the nettles under the kettles." In the East, and where wood is scarce, thorns, hay, and stubble are used for fuel (<a href="/psalms/58-9.htm">Psalm 58:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/120-4.htm">Psalm 120:4</a>; <a href="/matthew/6-30.htm">Matthew 6:30</a>). Such materials are quickly kindled, blaze up for a time with much noise, and soon die away (<a href="/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12</a>). So is the laughter of the fool. The point of comparison is the loud crackling and the short duration of the fire with small results. <span class="cmt_word">So the fool's mirth is boisterous and noisy, but comes to a speedy end, and is spent to no good purpose.</span> So in Job (<a href="/job/20-5.htm">Job 20:5</a>) we have, "The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment." All this profitless mirth is again nothing but vanity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/7-6.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">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like the crackling</span><br /><span class="heb">כְק֤וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·qō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of thorns</span><br /><span class="heb">הַסִּירִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(has·sî·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5518.htm">Strong's 5518: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pot, a thorn, a hook</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the pot,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַסִּ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(has·sîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5518.htm">Strong's 5518: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pot, a thorn, a hook</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵּ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is the laughter</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂחֹ֣ק</span> <span class="translit">(śə·ḥōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7814.htm">Strong's 7814: </a> </span><span class="str2">Laughter, derision, sport</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the fool—</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכְּסִ֑יל</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<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 /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">too</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגַם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is futile.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽבֶל׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1892.htm">Strong's 1892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:7" /></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>