Ecclesiastes 7:6

6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 7:6 in Other Translations

KJV
6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
ESV
6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity.
NLT
6 A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless.
MSG
6 The giggles of fools are like the crackling of twigs Under the cooking pot. And like smoke.
CSB
6 For like the crackling of [burning] thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile.

Ecclesiastes 7:6 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:6

For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so [is] the
laughter of the fool
As thorns are weak, useless, and unprofitable; yea, hurtful and pernicious, and only fit for burning; so are foolish and wicked men, ( 2 Samuel 23:6 ) ( Isaiah 27:4 ) ; and as the noise and sound of the one under a pot is very short, they make a blaze for a while, and is soon over; so though the laughter of a fool is loud and noisy, it makes no melody, no more than the noise of thorns; and is but for a moment, and will be soon changed for weeping and howling, which will last for ever; see ( Job 20:5 ) ; this also [is] vanity;
the carnal mirth of wicked men.

Ecclesiastes 7:6 In-Context

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.
6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.
7 Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Psalms 58:9; Psalms 118:12
  • 2. S Proverbs 14:13; Ecclesiastes 2:2
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