Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless. New Living Translation A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless. English Standard Version For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity. Berean Standard Bible For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. King James Bible For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. New King James Version For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity. New American Standard Bible For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is futility. NASB 1995 For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is futility. NASB 1977 For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool, And this too is futility. Legacy Standard Bible For as the crackling sound of thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is vanity. Amplified Bible For like the crackling of [burning] thorn bushes under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool; And this too is vanity (futility). Christian Standard Bible for like the crackling of burning thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. Holman Christian Standard Bible for like the crackling of burning thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. American Standard Version For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. Contemporary English Version Foolish laughter is stupid. It sounds like thorns crackling in a fire. English Revised Version For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. GOD'S WORD® Translation The laughter of a fool is like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot. Even this is pointless. Good News Translation When a fool laughs, it is like thorns crackling in a fire. It doesn't mean a thing. International Standard Version For as thorns burn to heat a pot, so also is the laughter of the fool— even this is pointless. Majority Standard Bible For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. NET Bible For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This kind of folly also is useless. New Heart English Bible For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity. Webster's Bible Translation For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. World English Bible For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor as the noise of thorns under the pot, "" So [is] the laughter of a fool, even this [is] vanity. Young's Literal Translation For as the noise of thorns under the pot, So is the laughter of a fool, even this is vanity. Smith's Literal Translation For as the voice of thorns under the pot, so the laughter of the foolish one. Also this is vanity. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor as the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of a fool: now this also is vanity. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the fool’s laughter. This also is vanity. New Revised Standard Version For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of fools; this also is vanity. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor as the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of fools; this is also vanity. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated For like the sound of thorns under a metal pot, so is the laughter of fools, and this also is futility OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; this also is vanity. Brenton Septuagint Translation As the sound of thorns under a caldron, so is the laughter of fools: this is also vanity. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Value of Wisdom…5It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools. 6For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This too is futile. 7Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.… Cross References Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow. Proverbs 10:23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. Proverbs 26:18-19 Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, / so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution. Psalm 37:12-13 The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, / but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. Psalm 73:18-20 Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. / How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! / Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. Isaiah 5:12 At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. Isaiah 24:7-9 The new wine dries up, the vine withers. All the merrymakers now groan. / The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent. / They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it. Job 20:5 the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? Matthew 11:16-17 To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: / ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ Luke 6:25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Luke 12:19-20 Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” 1 Corinthians 15:32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Treasury of Scripture For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. as Ecclesiastes 2:2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? Psalm 58:9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath. Psalm 118:12 They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. crackling Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. Jump to Previous Bushes Cracking Crackling Fool Foolish Fools Futility Laughter Meaningless Noise Pot Purpose Thorn Thorns VanityJump to Next Bushes Cracking Crackling Fool Foolish Fools Futility Laughter Meaningless Noise Pot Purpose Thorn Thorns VanityEcclesiastes 7 1. remedies against vanity are, a good name2. mortification 7. patience 11. wisdom 23. The difficulty of wisdom For like the crackling of thorns under the pot The imagery of thorns crackling under a pot is a vivid metaphor. In ancient times, thorns were often used as kindling because they ignited quickly and burned with a bright flame, but they provided little lasting heat. This reflects the transient and superficial nature of foolish laughter. The quick ignition and rapid consumption of thorns symbolize the fleeting and insubstantial nature of folly. In biblical context, thorns often represent sin and its consequences (Genesis 3:18), suggesting that the laughter of fools is rooted in a sinful, unproductive life. The use of thorns also connects to the curse of the ground, highlighting the futility and frustration of life under sin. so is the laughter of the fool This too is futile Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature attributed to him. 2. Fools In the context of Ecclesiastes, fools are those who live without regard for God’s wisdom, often pursuing fleeting pleasures and superficial joys. 3. Thorns In ancient times, thorns were often used as kindling. They burn quickly and noisily but provide little lasting heat, symbolizing the transient and empty nature of foolish laughter. 4. Pots Represents the vessel of life or the situation in which one finds themselves. The pot is heated by the fire, just as life is influenced by the actions and attitudes of individuals. 5. Laughter In this context, laughter is symbolic of superficial joy or merriment that lacks depth and substance, often associated with foolishness. Teaching Points The Futility of Superficial JoyThe laughter of fools is compared to the crackling of thorns, highlighting its temporary and insubstantial nature. True joy is found in a life aligned with God’s wisdom. The Importance of Depth in Life Just as thorns burn quickly and provide little heat, a life focused on superficial pleasures lacks depth and lasting impact. Seek deeper, more meaningful pursuits. Wisdom Over Folly The passage encourages choosing wisdom over folly. While foolishness may offer immediate gratification, it ultimately leads to emptiness. Reflecting on Life’s Purpose This verse invites believers to reflect on what brings true fulfillment and to prioritize spiritual growth and godly wisdom over fleeting pleasures. The Role of Godly Wisdom Godly wisdom provides lasting joy and fulfillment, contrasting with the temporary satisfaction of foolish pursuits. Pursue wisdom through prayer, study, and application of God’s Word.(6) There is again a play on words, which German translators represent by "the crackling of nettle under the kettle," and Plumptre "the crackling of stubble which makes the pot bubble." The reference plainly is to the quick blazing up and quick going out of the flame.Verse 6. - For as the crackling of thorns under a pot. There is a play of words in the Hebrew, "The crackling of sirim under a sir," which Wright expresses by translating, "Like the noise of the nettles under the kettles." In the East, and where wood is scarce, thorns, hay, and stubble are used for fuel (Psalm 58:9; Psalm 120:4; Matthew 6:30). Such materials are quickly kindled, blaze up for a time with much noise, and soon die away (Psalm 118:12). So is the laughter of the fool. The point of comparison is the loud crackling and the short duration of the fire with small results. So the fool's mirth is boisterous and noisy, but comes to a speedy end, and is spent to no good purpose. So in Job (Job 20:5) we have, "The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment." All this profitless mirth is again nothing but vanity. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction like the crackling כְק֤וֹל (ḵə·qō·wl) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6963: A voice, sound of thorns הַסִּירִים֙ (has·sî·rîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5518: A pot, a thorn, a hook under תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of the pot, הַסִּ֔יר (has·sîr) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 5518: A pot, a thorn, a hook so כֵּ֖ן (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus is the laughter שְׂחֹ֣ק (śə·ḥōq) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7814: Laughter, derision, sport of the fool— הַכְּסִ֑יל (hak·kə·sîl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool this זֶ֖ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that too וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and is futile. הָֽבֶל׃ (hā·ḇel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1892: Emptiness, vanity, transitory, unsatisfactory Links Ecclesiastes 7:6 NIVEcclesiastes 7:6 NLT Ecclesiastes 7:6 ESV Ecclesiastes 7:6 NASB Ecclesiastes 7:6 KJV Ecclesiastes 7:6 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 7:6 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 7:6 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 7:6 French Bible Ecclesiastes 7:6 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under (Ecclesiast. 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