Ecclesiastes 7:4-6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

In these verses Solomon lays down some great truths which seem paradoxes to the unthinking part, that is, the far greatest part, of mankind. I. That the honour of virtue is really more valuable and desirable than all the wealth and pleasure in this world (Eccl. 7:1): A good name is before good ointment (so it may be read); it is preferable to it, and will be rather chosen by all that are wise. Good ointment is here put for all the profits of the earth (among the products of which oil was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning ,.... When his body is not; when it does not suit him to go thither in person, his mind is there, and his thoughts are employed on the useful subjects of the frailty and mortality of human nature, of death, a future judgment, and a world to come; which shows him to be a wise man, and concerned for the best things, even for his eternal happiness in another state; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth ; where jovial company... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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 Psalm 141:1 ; 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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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 ; 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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning - A wise man loves those occasions from which he can derive spiritual advantage; and therefore prefers visiting the sick, and sympathizing with those who have suffered privations by death. But the fool - the gay, thoughtless, and giddy - prefers places and times of diversion and amusement. Here he is prevented from seriously considering either himself or his latter end. The grand fault and misfortune of youth. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:6

For as the crackling of thorns - They make a great noise, a great blaze; and are extinguished in a few moments. Such indeed, comparatively, are the joys of life; they are noisy, flashy, and transitory. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1-7

Section 1. Though no man knows for certain what is best, yet there are some practical rules for the conduct of life which wisdom gives . Some of these Koheleth sets forward in the proverbial form, recommending a serious, earnest life in preference to one of gaiety and frivolity. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning . This is the natural conclusion from what was said in Ecclesiastes 7:2 , Ecclesiastes 7:3 . The man who recognizes the serious side of life, and knows where to learn lessons of high moral meaning, will be found conversant with scenes of sorrow and suffering, and reflecting upon them. But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. The fool, who thinks of nothing but present enjoyment, and how to make life pass pleasantly, turns away... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:5

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise. Gearah , "rebuke," is the word used in Proverbs for the grave admonition which heals and strengthens while it wounds (see Proverbs 13:1 ; Proverbs 17:10 ). The silent lessons which a man learns from the contemplation of others' sorrow are rightly supplemented by the salutary correction of the wise man's tongue. Than for a man to hear the song of fools. Shir , " song ," is a general term used of sacred or profane song; the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:6

For as the crackling of thorns under a pot. There is a play of words in the Hebrew, "The crackling of sirim under a sir ," which Wright expresses by translating, "Like the noise of the nettles under the kettles." In the East, and where wood is scarce, thorns, hay, and stubble are used for fuel ( Psalms 58:9 ; Psalms 120:4 ; Matthew 6:30 ). Such materials are quickly kindled, blaze up for a time with much noise, and soon die away ( Psalms 118:12 ). So is the laughter of the... read more

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