Ecclesiastes 7:5

It is better to heare the rebuke of the wise, then for a man to heare the song of fooles.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
- American Standard Version (1901)

It is better to take note of the protest of the wise, than for a man to give ear to the song of the foolish.
- Basic English Bible

It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise, than to hear the song of fools.
- Darby Bible

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
- Webster's Bible

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
- World English Bible

Better to hear a rebuke of a wise man, Than [for] a man to hear a song of fools,
- Youngs Literal Bible

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible

Wesley's Notes for Ecclesiastes 7:5

7:4 The wise - Are constantly meditating upon serious things.

7:6 Thorns - Which for a time make a great noise and blaze, but presently go out.

7:7 A gift - A bribe given to a wise man, deprives him of the use of his understanding. So this verse discovers two ways whereby a wise man may be made mad, by suffering oppression from others, or by receiving bribes to oppress others. And this also is an argument of the vanity of worldly wisdom that is so easily corrupted and lost.