"The Song of Fools..."

It seems that every generation has its own style of music. Someone who grew up in the 1940s probably enjoys the sounds of the “big band” era. Then, in the late 40s and early 50s, the plaintive sounds of country music filled the airwaves as tales of heartache and hard times were set to music. From the classics to the singing celebrities of the “Grand Old Opry” to the age of electronica today, music certainly seems to “tug at the strings” of the human heart.

Perhaps you remember the ragtime tunes of the (seemingly) distant past of the last century. Or maybe you are a child of the mid-fifties, when “rock ‘n’ roll” burst upon the entertainment scene and quickly became the dominant style of music for many. This genre combined upbeat tempos and amplified instruments with the earthy lyrics of blues and boogie-woogie “nightlife” music. This generation produced legendary rock and blues performers, idolized by their fans.

You might think of the generation that followed, which saw “punk rock” and alternative rock with dark themes of depression, rejection, and rebellion against societal mores and the "limits" of morality. The dress and demeanor, including body piercing and bizarre hairstyles, of those who were caught up in this kind of music was meant to shock and repel the “establishment”—and it worked.

More recently, but equally disturbing, a phenomenon referred to as “rap music” developed, typically along racial lines, based on the lifestyle that it portrays and promotes. Violent gangs adopted this form of expression, which features a repetitive, staccato beat with lyrics often laced with vile profanity and violent imagery that are chanted rather than sung. This has become incredibly popular and has attracted fans across racial and cultural lines, spawning unique fashions catering to the “gangsta’ rap” culture.

Popular music today is not all country, rock and roll, or rap, though they do seem to dominate. There is also a huge "Christian music" scene, particularly in the evangelical culture. There are Christian music channels, music stores, and concerts and performances. There are even "Christian rock" bands, which loudly play songs with a hard and driving beat that have some biblical connection.

The music industry is huge, and has burgeoned with explosive growth as new technology has made electronic distribution of music possible. For example, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the music business generated a staggering 17.3 billion dollars of revenue worldwide in 2011.

All of this illustrates how we as human beings love the music of our generation, the music of our culture, and the music of our church or faith. It seems that the Creator put this proclivity within us, for when we look into His word, the Bible, we find that music plays a prominent role in worshiping God. There are many references to musical instruments, songs, and hymns in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The book of Psalms is a collection of songs of worship.

So, it becomes obvious that there is a right use and a wrong use of music. If music lifts one’s spirits, promotes positive thinking, and encourages cheerful, balanced enjoyment of life then it is a good thing. If it espouses a depressed mood or promotes licentious, riotous, or chaotic behavior, obviously it is a bad influence. Just as speaking a lie or inciting bad behavior with speech is wrong, so music or song lyrics that incite unacceptable behavior are also wrong and should be avoided.

King Solomon of ancient Israel, a lover of music, had this to say on this subject: “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:5, New Revised Standard Version).

Avoid the “song of fools” and enjoy activities that build up or inspire rather than depress or tear down—including your choice of music. Order our free booklet What Is a True Christian? It will give you valuable insights on how to live a bountiful life.