Ecclesiastes 7:12

Ecclesiastes 7:12 in other versions

• King James Version (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.
• New International Version (NIV)Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.
• English Standard Version (ESV)For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
• New King James Version (NKJV)For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

Context of Ecclesiastes 7:12

10Say not, How is it that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. 11Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, and profitable to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence [as] money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, [that] wisdom maketh them that possess it to live. 13Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what he hath made crooked? 14In the day of prosperity enjoy good, and in the day of adversity consider: God hath also set the one beside the other, to the end that man should find out nothing [of what shall be] after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 word by word

כִּ֛י בְּצֵ֥ל הַֽחָכְמָ֖ה בְּצֵ֣ל הַכָּ֑סֶף וְיִתְר֣וֹן דַּ֔עַת הַֽחָכְמָ֖ה תְּחַיֶּ֥ה בְעָלֶֽיהָ׃Read the interlinear

• wisdomחׇכְמָהchokmâh · wisdomH2451
• moneyכֶּ֫סֶףkeseph · silver: moneyH3701
• knowledgeדַּ֫עַתda‛ath · knowledgeH1847
• liveחָיָהchâyâh · to liveH2421

Cross-references for Ecclesiastes 7:12

• Job 1:10Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is spread abroad in the land.
• Job 22:21Reconcile thyself now with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
• Proverbs 2:7He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; [he] is a shield to them that walk in integrity;
• Proverbs 14:20He that is poor is hated even of his own neighbour; but the rich hath many friends.
• Proverbs 18:10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
• Isaiah 33:6and he shall be the stability of thy times, the riches of salvation, wisdom and knowledge: the fear of Jehovah shall be your treasure.
• Judges 9:15And the thorn-bush said to the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, come, put confidence in my shadow; but if not, fire shall come out of the thorn-bush and devour the cedars of Lebanon.
• Psalms 57:1Be gracious unto me, O God, be gracious unto me; for my soul taketh refuge in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings do I take refuge, until the calamities be overpast.
• Isaiah 30:2who walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked of my mouth, — to take refuge under the protection of Pharaoh, and trust in the shadow of Egypt!
• Isaiah 32:2And a man shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the storm; as brooks of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.
• Deuteronomy 30:19I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you: life and death have I set before you, blessing and cursing: choose then life, that thou mayest live, thou and thy seed,
• Deuteronomy 32:47For it is no vain word for you, but it is your life, and through this word ye shall prolong your days on the land whereunto ye pass over the Jordan to possess it.
• Proverbs 3:18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her; and happy is he that retaineth her.
• Proverbs 8:35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and obtaineth favour of Jehovah;
• Proverbs 9:11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and years of life shall be added to thee.
• Proverbs 11:4Wealth profiteth not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death.

Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 7:12

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 12Wisdom 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.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 12Wisdom 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.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 11-22Verses 11-22 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, yea better. It shelters from the storms and scorching heat of trouble. Wealth will not lengthen out the natural life; but true wisdom will give spiritual life, and strengthen men for services under their sufferings. Let us look upon the disposal of our condition as the work of God, and at last all will appear to have been for the best. In acts of righteousness, be not carried into heats or passions, no…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 11-12Wisdom and money are powerful tools for gaining benefits. wisdom preserves the life of its owner: See Ecclesiastes 7:17; Proverbs 10:2; 11:4.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1212. Literally, (To be) in (that is, under) the shadow (Is 30:2) of wisdom (is the same as to be) in (under) the shadow of money; wisdom no less shields one from the ills of life than money does. is, that--rather, "the excellency of the knowledge of wisdom giveth life," that is, life in the highest sense, here and hereafter (Pr 3:18; Joh 17:3; 2Pe 1:3). Wisdom (religion) cannot be lost as money can. It shields one in adversity, as well as prosperity…Read the comment

Topics related to Ecclesiastes 7:12

• Money
• Riches
• Wisdom

In the dictionaries

• Adversity
• Bosom
• Consider
• Crackling
• Living
• Rest
• Excellency
• Synagogue, the Great

Commentaries on Ecclesiastes 7

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings