King James Version
Ecclesiastes 7:5 in the King James Version says “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.” — study this verse from Ecclesiastes chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.”
Ecclesiastes 7:5 · KJV
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Sorrow: or, Anger
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. crackling: Heb. sound
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“It is better”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
“to hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
“than for a man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“to hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge