Ecclesiastes 7:11,12,13 commentaries

Discussion of Ecclesiastes 7:11-13

Ecclesiastes 7:11 (KJV)

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

 

Dads’ commentary:

With godly wisdom Money & possessions can be utilized properly and thus is good and profitable to you & ultimately the purposes of God in your life, but without wisdom the money and possessions can corrupt (be misused) & actually be harmful by contributing toward a drift away from God – this truth applies to all who see the sun (all living people in other words) – note I commented on the negative side which is not included in the verse but logically the inverse is implied or the entire verse makes no sense.

Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:11

Wisdom is good with an inheritance - In this chapter Solomon introduces many observations which appear to be made by objectors against his doctrine; and as he was satisfied of their futility, he proposes them in their own full strength, and then combats and destroys them. It is quite necessary to attend to this; else we shall take the objector's words for those of Solomon; and think, as some have done, that the wise man contradicts and refutes himself. Observations, reflections, and objections of friends and adversaries are frequently introduced in the works of ancient authors, without mentioning them as such. This is frequent, more particularly in ethic writers; and we have many specimens in Horace, and without this distinction, it would be impossible to make sense of some of his writings. Here, an objector who had listened to the wise man declaiming in favor of wisdom, suddenly interrupts him, and says in effect, "I grant the truth of what you have said. Wisdom is very good in its place; but what is it without property? A man who has a good inheritance may be profited by wisdom, because it will show him how to manage it to the best advantage."

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:11

And by it there is profit ... - literally, And is profitable to the living. The same word as in Ecclesiastes 6:11, to the question in which it looks like an answer.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 (KJV)

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

 

Dads’ commentary:

Both wisdom and money come in handy down here bub; but the profit (excellency) of having knowledge (of God) is that that wisdom can lead to eternal life to all who take hold of it in spirit and truth (faith in Christ).

 

Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12

Wisdom is a defense - To whom Solomon answers: All true wisdom is most undoubtedly a great advantage to men in all circumstances; and money is also of great use: but it cannot be compared to wisdom. Knowledge of Divine and human things is a great blessing. Money is the means of supporting our animal life: but wisdom - the religion of the true God - gives life to them that have it. Money cannot procure the favor of God, nor give life to the soul.

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:12

Wisdom is a defense ... - See the margin and Psalm 121:5, i. e., He who is defended from adversity by his wisdom is in as good a position as he who is defended by his riches.

Excellency - literally, Profit.

Giveth life to - literally, "Causes to live," "makes alive" Proverbs 3:18; the deeper meaning of which is elicited by comparing these words with John 6:63; Matthew 4:4.

Wesley's Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:12

7:12 Life - But herein knowledge of wisdom excels riches, that whereas riches frequently expose men to destruction, true wisdom doth often preserve a man from temporal, and always from eternal ruin.

Ecclesiastes 7:13 (KJV)

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

Dads’ commentary:

Its another wording of the old saying “God works in mysterious ways”; consider Joseph – who knew being sold into slavery and being a house slave and being in jail would save all inhabitants of Egypt and surrounding regions during a 7 year famine in the land?  Job 42:5  I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.  He said this after going through great trials in his life and God met him in his despair.  This verse also strongly relates to the famous verse in Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:13

Consider the work of God - Such is the nature of his providence, that it puts money into the hands of few: but wisdom is within the reach of all. The first is not necessary to happiness; therefore, it is not offered to men; the latter is; and therefore God, in his goodness, offers it to the whole human race. The former can rarely be acquired, for God puts it out of the reach of most men, and you cannot make that straight which he has made crooked; the latter may be easily attained by every person who carefully and seriously seeks it from God.

Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:13

The work of God - The scheme of Divine Providence, the course of events which God orders and controls (compare Ecclesiastes 3:11). It comprises both events which are "straight," i. e., in accordance with our expectation, and events which are "crooked," i. e., which by their seeming inequality baffle our comprehension.

(note Dads' commentary is my own thoughts for my children)