Ecclesiastes 7:5

5 (7-6) It is better to be rebuked by a wise man, than to be deceived by the flattery of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:5 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:5

[It is] better to hear the rebuke of the wise
To listen to it diligently, receive it cordially, and act according to it; though it may be disagreeable to the flesh, and give present pain, yet the effect and issue will be good, and show that man to be wise that hears it, as well as he that gives it; see ( Psalms 141:1 ) ( Proverbs 15:31 Proverbs 15:32 ) ( 17:10 ) ; than for a man to hear the song of fools;
the vain and impure songs that foolish men sing in the house of mirth; or the flatteries of foolish men, which tickle and please the mind, as music and songs do: or, "than a man that hears the song of fools" ^F9, and is pleased with it.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (Mylyok ryv emv vyam) "quam vir audiens canticum stultorum", Montanus, Mercerus; "prae viro audiente canticum stultorum", Rambachius.

Ecclesiastes 7:5 In-Context

3 (7-4) Anger is better than laughter: because by the sadness of the countenance the mind of the offender is corrected.

4 (7-5) The heart of the wise is where there is mourning, and the heart of fools where there is mirth.

5 (7-6) It is better to be rebuked by a wise man, than to be deceived by the flattery of fools.

6 (7-7) For as the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of a fool: now this also is vanity.

7 (7-8) Oppression troubleth the wise, and shall destroy the strength of his heart.