In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth” and in chapter seven and verse five of his book Solomon said, “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise” where we read,
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
The verse reads, “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, …” Solomon began with the words, “it is better to hear” or “the following exists as good, pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable to listen to, perceive by ear and pay attention with interest to” “the rebuke of the wise” which means “the reproof and chiding belonging to the shrewd, skilled, cunning and learned”. Solomon considered it more valuable to listen to the correction and reproof of people who are skilled and learned rather than the following.
The verse goes on to say, “… than for a man to hear the song of fools.” Solomon continued with the words, “than for a man” or “compared to a person whether male or female” “to hear” which means “to listen to, perceive by ear and pay attention with interest to” “the song of fools” or “the musical and joyous ode belonging to dullards, simpletons and stupid fellows”. Solomon said listening to the reproof of people who are skilled and learned is superior to paying attention to the musical ode of people who are simpletons and stupid.
When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon that listening to the reproof or correction of people who are skilled and learned is far more excellent than paying attention to the musical ode of simpletons. God gives His “wisdom” to people, and we are “wise” to hear what they have to say even if their words are corrective and reproving. “Foolish” people give “foolish” advice, and even if their words are set to music and songs, God wants us to be aware of His “wisdom” which is available to everyone who yields their life to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth according to His Divine “wisdom” and not that which belongs to foolish people. (See James 1:5; John 16:13)
Next time Solomon says, “as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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