Amplified Bible
Ecclesiastes 7:5
5It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise man and pursue wisdom Than for one to listen to the song of fools and pursue stupidity.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
- New International Version (NIV)It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.
- English Standard Version (ESV)It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.
- New King James Version (NKJV)It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Context of Ecclesiastes 7:5
3Sorrow is better than laughter, For when a face is sad (deep in thought) the heart may be happy [because it is growing in wisdom]. 4The heart of the wise [learns when it] is in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools is [senseless] in the house of pleasure. It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise man and pursue wisdom Than for one to listen to the song of fools and pursue stupidity. 6For like the crackling of [burning] thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is vanity (futility). 7For oppression makes a wise man foolish, And a bribe corrupts the [good judgment of the] heart.
Read all of Ecclesiastes 7Ecclesiastes 7:5 word by word
ט֕וֹב לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ גַּעֲרַ֣ת חָכָ֑ם מֵאִ֕ישׁ שֹׁמֵ֖עַ שִׁ֥יר כְּסִילִֽים׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Ecclesiastes 7:5
- Psalms 141:5Let the righteous [thoughtfully] strike (correct) me—it is a kindness [done to encourage my spiritual maturity]. It is [the choicest anointing] oil on the head; Let my head not refuse [to accept and acknowledge and learn from] it; For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.
- Proverbs 9:8Do not correct a scoffer [who foolishly ridicules and takes no responsibility for his error] or he will hate you; Correct a wise man [who learns from his error], and he will love you.
- Proverbs 13:13Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, But he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded.
- Proverbs 15:31The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure) Will remain among the wise.
- Proverbs 17:10A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understanding and a teachable spirit Than a hundred lashes into a fool.
- Proverbs 27:6Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].
- Revelation 3:19Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will].
- Psalms 69:12They who sit in the [city’s] gate talk about me and mock me, And I am the song of the drunkards.
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 7:5
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 5-6Praise from a fool and enjoying a fool’s laughter are temporary and worthless. Criticism from a wise person can lead to real benefits (Proverbs 17:10).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 55. (Psa 141:4, 5). Godly reproof offends the flesh, but benefits the spirit. Fools' songs in the house of mirth please the flesh, but injure the soul.Read the comment
Topics related to Ecclesiastes 7:5
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 7
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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