Jump Start # 141 

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

  Our passage for today is found in the midst of Solomon’s comparisons. He doesn’t leave it up to us to determine the course we should follow, rather, with each comparison Solomon tells us which one is better. The word “better” is found seven times in chapter 7. These are more than comparisons, they are opposites in our thinking. We would not typically think that going the funeral home is better than going to a party, but Solomon does. We would not think that rebuke is better than laughter, but Solomon does. In many ways, Solomon is looking at superficial things compared to the lessons that change our lives. Good ointment, feasting, laughter, beginnings are not the things that give us the depth and reflection that death, rebuke, having a good name and the conclusions do.

  Our verse contrasts listening. Two things are listened to. One is better than the other. Listening to rebuke from a wise man is better than listening to the songs of fools. This passage is layered with many contrasts: rebuke vs. songs; wise vs. fools; singular (wise man) vs. plural (fools). Songs are fun. We have I-tunes, and I-pods that play our favorite songs. Kids learn at an early age to sing songs. Singing is a huge part of worship to God. But, rather we like to admit it or not, our favorite song is flattery! We love people to love us. We like to hear what a good job we’ve done. We like to be appreciated. This is the song of fools. Foolish because flattery and foolishness go together. It is vain and often self seeking.

  Rebuke, on the other hand, stings. It hurts, whether it comes from the pulpit, from our parents, our mates, the boss or a neighbor. We tend to get defensive when people rebuke us. Here in this passage it is more than rebuke vs. flattery, it is the source that matters. The wise man tells you rebuke to improve you, help you and strengthen you. He does this because he cares and loves you. It is difficult for him to say it as it is for you to listen to it. We tend to get defensive when rebuke comes. We are quick to find an excuse and a reason to justify our behavior. When we do that, we don’t really “listen” to what is said. The listening here is just as important as what we are listening to. The wise wants to improve your life. He wants you to be a better parent, a stronger Christian, a caring mate. He sees things in you that can be better. He has become wise because he walks with God. He has learned from experience. He has tasted rebuke for other wise people in his life. His helping you will not only make you a better person but it will enable you to help others.

  There is a silent application in this verse as well. We become wise when we listen to the rebuke of the wise. We become foolish when we reject what the wise say or we listen to the songs of fools.

  No one longs to be rebuked. Sometimes it is justified. Sometimes not. Sometimes it comes from those who care and want to help. Sometimes it comes from critics and cranks who simply want to run your life. We all need others to help us. We are not perfect. Paul told Timothy the preacher to “reprove, rebuke and exhort.” Rebuking sermons are not the audiences favorite. Some preachers only preach those kind of sermons. That wasn’t Paul’s recommendation.

  When someone rebukes you– consider, are they wise or a fool? Listen to what they say. Be honest. If it is true, change. Be better. If it is not true, let it go.

Roger