TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 7:5-6
Read: Ecclesiastes 7:5-6
Listen: Ecclesiastes 7
TODAY’S MESSAGE
There were no Instant Pots, microwaves or George Forman grills in ancient Israel. They made meals over an open flame requiring a lot of wood. Thorns make a lot of noise when tossed in a fire but produce no real heat for cooking. The poet compares a rebuke from a wise person to the song of the fool—and then turns to this cooking metaphor. He tells his readers that flattery from fools is meaningless. Better than the song of fools is the rebuke of the wise.
We may not need to cook over an open flame today, but we do need people in our lives who are willing to correct us with kindness, grace and love. We can be easily flattered by well-meaning friends not telling us the truth with a text, Facebook post or phone call.
We still need people in our corner encouraging us—but sometimes we need those same people or others in our corner to correct us. Those of us who are wise will listen.
Who are you listening to? We all need to surround ourselves with wise people who can speak into our life—parents, trusted friends, a small group leader or a mentor. It is vital that we listen when we receive constructive feedback, and not retreat to those who sing flattery into our ears.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Begin by looking at these three questions: How do I receive rebuke? Who am I listening to? Am I honest in what I say to others? Pick one of these questions where you could grow the most. Ask God for the wisdom and strength to help you to grow.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
