5 It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools. 6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. 7 Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
Ecclesiastes 7:5–7
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 10:22–24
22 The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. 23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 What the wicked man dreads will overtake him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
Ecclesiastes 10:1–2
1 As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.
Ecclesiastes 10:11–13
11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer. 12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness.
Proverbs 23:8–10
8 You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. 9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
Ecclesiastes 9:16–18
16 And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” 17 The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys m…
Sirach 20:19–21
19 A man without grace is a tale out of season. It will be continually in the mouth of the ignorant. (WEB) 20 A parable from a fool’s mouth will be rejected; for he won’t tell it at the proper time. (WEB) 21 There is one who is hindered from sinning through lack. When he rests, he… (WEB)
Proverbs 16:21–23
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. 22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. 23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
Proverbs 12:14–16
14 By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. 16 A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
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