Eld Ko Swee Chay

Do you know the “better” things? – Part 2 (Ecclesiastes 7:5-10)

Introduction

Solomon asked “Who knoweth what is good for man in this life?” (Eccl 6:12). In Ecclesiastes 7:1-10, by divine inspiration, Solomon wanted us to look at life from the view of death and thus make wise choices that are “better” for our souls.

In Ecclesiastes 7:1-4, we have looked at some important truths that are “better” as presented by Solomon: a good name is better than wealth; the day of death is better than the day of birth; to go to the house of mourning is better than to go to the house of feasting; sorrow is better than laughter. We shall now focus on Ecclesiastes 7:5-10 to learn a few more “better” things presented by Solomon.

To receive rebuke is better than to receive praise (Eccl 7:5-7)

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. ⁶ For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. ⁷ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

A rebuke is to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand. The rebuke of a wise person is based on truth, is out of love, and the aim is for correction. The song of fools would mean laughter, praise and flattery of the foolish.    

People make mistakes and have blind spots and do need rebuke or correction from others who care and have the courage to do so. But do people value it?  Naturally it is unpalatable and often hard to receive from another. On the other hand, people feel good to receive praise, compliments and even flattery. Solomon reminded us that it is better to hear the rebukes, warnings, and criticisms of the wise than to listen to the praise of the fools. Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “⁵ Open rebuke is better than secret love. ⁶ Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

Fools can neither give nor receive good advice. The songs or laughter of fools are meaningless and worthless. What is wrong with them? Solomon gave the answer in Ecclesiastes 7:6. They are like the crackling of thorns in a fire and are vanity. Thorns burn quickly but make a lot of unpleasant noise and generate little heat and are therefore pretty much worthless. So also the laughter and songs of the foolish which are short-lived, annoying, empty, and do not accomplish anything. Let us take heed of Solomon’s advice: the rebuke and correction of a wise man’s tongue is far better than empty praise, flattery, frivolous laughter and song of a foolish man. Feedback and rebuke from our loved ones, parents, teachers, friends and church leaders are good and precious; they warn of dangers. Receive them as a gift with a thankful heart and reflect on them. Surely they will make a person wise and better.

In Ecclesiastes 7:7, Solomon was not simply saying ‘don’t oppress people and don’t take gifts’ (bribes). He was emphasising the seriousness of oppression – surely it can bring down a wise man and make him mad (depressed, despaired); and bribery – surely a gift can destroy the heart, meaning smear a person’s character and defile his conscience. Both oppression and corruption are sins condemned by God. Oppression is the misuse of power to inflict suffering on others. Solomon had touched on this in Ecclesiastes 4:1. Many Bible verses in the OT speak against oppression and extortion. Corruption is pervasive in the world and can bring down anyone; we should be aware of it. God’s Word prohibits receiving a gift (bribe). “And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.” (Exo 23:8 cf. Deut 16:19). In Singapore, corruption is a serious offence, and both the giver and receiver of bribes will be dealt with severely under the Prevention of Corruption Act. A person who is involved in bribery is a fool. Christians should never receive or give bribes under all circumstances. Why is it so important that we listen to rebuke? This verse gives the warning that oppression and corruption can turn a wise man into a fool, and hence rebuke of the wise helps to guard a person’s heart and keep him on the path of righteousness.

To be patient is better than to be proud (Eccl 7:8-10)

⁸ Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. ⁹ Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. ¹⁰ Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

By saying “the end of a thing is better than its beginning”, Solomon was encouraging perseverance. In other words, things are normally difficult and challenging at the beginning, but do not be weary, faint not, don’t give up, persevere, and things will end well. This is an encouragement to endure and experience the blessings of a good ending. To help us focus on the end, it is good to remember that “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof”.

To persevere from the beginning to the end, what is most needed is patience. Solomon rightly pointed out that “the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”  Patience is pleasing to God and a virtue to be pursued by God’s children (1 Ti 6:11; Tit 2:2). Patience is committing our cares and burdens to God, to do His will, to wait upon Him, to trust Him for the end in His perfect will and timing. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Heb 10:36). Patience is very important in life.  On the contrary, pride is evil, is not of God but is of the world (Mar 7:21-23; 1 Jo 2:16). Pride leads to contention (Pro 13:10) and destruction (Pro 16:18). Pride leads to anger, which resides in the heart of fools (Eccl 7:9).

The impulse of anger that is forbidden is hastiness. Uncontrolled anger is dangerous. Cain committed the sin of murdering his brother Abel when the LORD rejected him and his offering (Gen 4:3-8). Moses was angry with the murmuring and complaining of the congregation because they had no water; he smote the rock twice instead of “speak ye unto the rock” as instructed by the LORD, and for that the LORD prohibited him from entering the Promised Land (Num 20:2-12). So, learn to be wise and control hasty anger, under unpleasant and even unjust situations. Don’t allow ourselves to be provoked, stay cool and in control. Be careful, don’t get upset and flare up quickly when things go wrong or are not according to our way. If we are not watchful, we will get upset easily, become very angry, lose control and act rashly. One who is quick tempered will make a lot of mistakes, and many relationships will be ruined all because of uncontrolled anger. The Bible has many verses concerning anger: Jesus says, “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:...” (Matt 5:22a); “Be ye angry, and sin not:…” (Eph 4:26a); “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly..” (Pro 14:17a); “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” (Pro 14:29); “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” (Jam 1:19).

People, especially those who are not happy and content with the present, often reminisce about “the good old days”, but Solomon advised us that it is not wise to say that “the former days are better than present days”. It is folly to cry up the goodness of former days, as if there were no problems and challenges then. The picture of a “good old day” is only the daydream of imagination and can’t be replicated today. Those who say “former days are better” are not content and impatient with the present stage of life. They don’t understand and don’t trust the sovereignty and providence of God. Instead of living in the past, decide to live for today for Christ. Learn to treasure and enjoy every phase and every stage of life God has given us. Every experience is unique and profitable, knowing that it is from God. If our hearts are right with God, our times on earth will all be good.

Conclusion

In Ecclesiastes 7:5-10, Solomon presented to us some important truths that are “better”, namely: to receive rebuke is better than to receive praise; the end of a thing is better than the beginning; to be patient is better than to be proud; do not be hastily angry; and it is not wise to think that former days are better than present days. May God help us to take heed of these important and precious truths and live them out in our lives. AMEN.