New Living Translation
Ecclesiastes 7:12
12Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life.
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
10Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise. 11Wisdom is even better when you have money. Both are a benefit as you go through life. Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. 13Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked? 14Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.
Read all of Ecclesiastes 7Ecclesiastes 7:12 word by word
כִּ֛י בְּצֵ֥ל הַֽחָכְמָ֖ה בְּצֵ֣ל הַכָּ֑סֶף וְיִתְר֣וֹן דַּ֔עַת הַֽחָכְמָ֖ה תְּחַיֶּ֥ה בְעָלֶֽיהָ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Job 1:10You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is!
- Job 22:21“Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.
- Proverbs 2:7He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
- Proverbs 14:20The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”
- Proverbs 18:10The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
- Isaiah 33:6In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure.
- Judges 9:15And the thornbush replied to the trees, ‘If you truly want to make me your king, come and take shelter in my shade. If not, let fire come out from me and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’”
- Psalms 57:1Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.
- Isaiah 30:2For without consulting me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection. You have tried to hide in his shade.
- Isaiah 32:2Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land.
- Deuteronomy 30:19“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
- Deuteronomy 32:47These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”
- Proverbs 3:18Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
- Proverbs 8:35For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.
- Proverbs 9:11Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.
- Proverbs 11:4Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you 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
In the dictionaries
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
New Living Translation — © 1996, 2004, 2015 Tyndale House Foundation
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