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"The laughter of the fool"

Text: Ecclesiastes 7:6

THE LAUGHTER OF THE FOOL

The word “fool” in the Scriptures does not refer to a person who suffers from mental deficiency. The Book of Proverbs defines the fool as one who has rejected wisdom (Proverbs 1:20-33).

“For like the crackling of thorns under a pot,
So is the laughter of the fool.
This also is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 7:6

1. “For like the crackling of thorns under a pot”

a) A clever illustration was used.

b) Imagery of a cooking pot:

i) It is placed over a fireplace.

ii) A fire must be started.

iii) Thorns were sometimes used (like wood chips).

iv) The thorns when burning make a familiar crackling sound.

v) The thorns last for a very short while.

vi) The source of fuel would be logs.

2. “So is the laughter of the fool”

a) “The fool”

i) He disregards wisdom.

ii) He disrespects instruction.

iii) He disdains any word of admonition.

b) He laughs

i) Because he is shallow (not because he is jovial).

ii) He makes light of everything.

iii) He jeers at the wise.

c) Unfortunately, he draws a crowd.

i) Some would follow him.

ii) Others like his outlook of life.

d) Proverbs 1 warns of disaster that strikes.

i) The fool then seeks wisdom.

ii) But it is all too late; wisdom cannot be found.

3. “This also is vanity”

a) This observation was a common reality.

b) The wise are few and their words are seldom appreciated.

c) The foolish continue to laugh their way through life.

d) This caused the writer to feel a sense of vanity welling up in his heart.