Ecclesiastes 7:11-22 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

The Importance of Practical Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 7:11-22).

Wisdom As A Defence (Ecclesiastes 7:11-12).

Having wisdom is a good foundation for life, for it provides a form of defence in times of trouble, and may even result in preserving a man's life.

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

‘Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yes, more excellent is it for those who see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence. But the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.'

Those who ‘see the sun' are those who survive childbirth (compare Ecclesiastes 6:5). For those, while an inheritance is good, and welcome, they should recognise that it is not as valuable as wisdom. Both wealth and wisdom may be helpful in defending one's position and status, but wisdom also aids survival when things are difficult, whereas an antagonist may be willing to kill a man for his money.

‘For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence.' The Hebrew is terse. ‘In the shadow of wisdom. In the shadow of money.'

Related Commentaries of Ecclesiastes 7:11

Ecclesiastes 7:11-22

11 Wisdom is goodd with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

12 For wisdom is a defence,e and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath setf the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroyg thyself?

17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

21 Also takeh no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.