SCRIPTURE: It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise man and pursue wisdom than for one to listen to the song of fools and pursue stupidity. Ecclesiastes 7:5 AMP
THOUGHT: Our pastor preached from Ephesians a couple of weeks ago and he said something that struck me, a music-lover from the get-go. He talked about singing being the mark of a believer, a mark of joy, and a mark of a Spirit-filled life. I’d just never thought of it that way. Paul tells the Ephesians, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts (Eph 5:18-19 NLT).”
Today’s passage from Ecclesiastes caught my attention this week and I’ve been thinking about “the song of fools” since. Being a music-lover, of course I’ve heard those songs, and I used to love them, and I can tell you about their power as the lyrics go ‘round in your head, creating desire for things you don’t have, inviting you to imagine things you don’t need to imagine and to do things you might not otherwise do. I’ve seen such songs play a part in distancing my soul from God.
In short, I can honestly say songs have helped me me pursue stupidity – and that’s how to ID the song of a fool: what does it lead you to? No one can shrug and tell me, “oh, it’s just a song.” Even Solomon, who lived about 3,000 years ago, knew the power of words and music. Paul, chiming in a mere 2,000 years ago, offered this alternative to the song of fools: songs, hymns, and spiritual songs that keep our eyes on God, the one who places wisdom in our innermost being (Ps. 51:6). That’s a pretty good tradeoff – wisdom instead of stupidity.
Excuse me while I go make a little melody in my heart to the Lord.
PRAYER: Oh God, I’m so grateful for all the artists who use their gifts to point us toward you through songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. And although the song of fools has fooled me in the past, I’m grateful you’ve shown me a better melody.
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A timely message this morning! Several times lately we have sung “Take my heart and let it be” in church. Part of one verse really jumps out at me. “Take my mouth and let me sing always only for my King.”
I LOVE instrmental jazz. I really enjoy the rhythms and harmonies. And while it may not inherently wrong, it does not cause my heart to praise God. I need more praise in my life!
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A good word Bill! There’s so much music that points us the right direction….why not?
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Lately, I have been enjoying old Gaither music on You Tube. That country gospel just lifts my heart. It is joyful and even fun! The singers enjoy making music; often many of them lift hands in worship with tears running down their faces. Modern worship music is somewhat “meh” for me, but these old gospel songs brought a generation or more to the feet of Jesus. I find they bless my soul as well. There’s one in particular, “The Love of God” a song my mother actually recorded decades ago. The particular performance that never fails to move me is by Guy Penrod, a man who worships wholly and unashamedly in the midst of the music. Listening to these songs over and over cements their words, but also their joyful and moving tunes into my mind. Now when things are quiet, those lyrics sing themselves in my mind.
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I will check that out AB. I enjoy Guy Penrod too. He’s been making melody to the Lord a long time!
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