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"Better to hear the rebuke of the wise"

Text: Ecclesiastes 7:5

REBUKES ARE DIFFICULT TO HEAR

What Solomon has written may sound like rebukes. And many find it hard to accept rebukes of any kind. Yet, there is wisdom to be found in rebukes.

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise
Than for a man to hear the song of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 7:5

1. “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise”

a) Not all rebukes are of the same worth.

i) Some rebukes come from a critical spirit.

ii) But there are some words of rebuke from those who are wise.

b) The rebuke of the wise:

i) The wise does not fault-find.

ii) In his wisdom he sees weaknesses and faults and points them out.

iii) The rebuke may be initially painful.

iv) But its worth must be recognized.

2. “Than for a man to hear the song of fools”

a) The song of fools may be understood as:

i) Words of flattery.

ii) Words that please the ears of the hearer.

iii) They may not even be true words.

b) Many are unfortunately desirous of only hearing

i) Words that are pleasant to the ears.

ii) They are often words of praise but there isn’t any merit in them.

3. The comparison

a) Between the words of a wise man and the words of a fool.

b) The wise:

i) Deep and sharp

ii) Insightful

c) The fool

i) Shallow

ii) Unhelpful

d) Obviously, the words of the wise must be preferred rather than the words (songs) of fools.