Solomon’s practical counsel
Spotlight on Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
“Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.” - Ecclesiastes 7:5
Solomon moves from death to comparing wise and foolish men. Foolish men tend to be shallow in most, if not all areas of life. They take very little, if anything seriously. They avoid the serious issues of life and thus are ill prepared when something hits them square between the eyes. A foolish person, when forced to deal with a serious situation is like a fish out of water, flailing about.
A wise man can provide constructive criticism, even if it stings when receiving it. The receiving party must have an open mind and heart to receive any type of criticism. There are those folks who, in their own ignorance, believe in their heart that they are always right. Not open to criticism, their growth is stunted. Those who are open to any type of criticism will win in the end, because those offering the criticism more times than not only has their best interests at heart.
The key word in this posting is ‘constructive’. This type of criticism is meant to instruct, correct and / or warn. Some criticize simply for the sake of criticizing. Maybe it’s personal, or some sort of control thing. Praise from a foolish man accomplishes nothing and has no lasting value. It’s like ashes in the wind, scattered in all directions. Anything coming from the mouth of the foolish is mindless and meaningless. Valueless and frivolous. They are not taken seriously and become like nothing more than the proverbial clanging cymbal. Steer clear of them and seek out those whom you can benefit from by their wise critique and counsel. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: New Spirit-Filled Life Bible (Copyright © 2002 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.); NKJV Study Bible (Copyright ©1997, 2007 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.) and Believer’s Bible Commentary (Copyright © 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2016 by William MacDonald.).
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