Tree of Life Version
Ecclesiastes 7:12
12For wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: wisdom preserves the life of the one who possesses it.
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
10Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this. 11Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, and even better for those who see the sun. For wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: wisdom preserves the life of the one who possesses it. 13Consider the work of God, for who can straighten what He has bent? 14In a time of prosperity, prosper! But in a time of adversity, consider: God has made one as well as the other. Therefore man cannot discover anything about his future.
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 1:10Have you not made a hedge around him, his household, and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands and his possessions have increased in the land.
- Job 22:21“Reconcile now with Him and have shalom— in this way prosperity will come to you.
- Proverbs 2:7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
- Proverbs 14:20The poor is hated even by his neighbor, but many are those who love the rich.
- Proverbs 18:10The Name of Adonai is a strong tower. The righteous one runs into it and is set safely up high.
- Isaiah 33:6It will be your time of faithfulness, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge— the fear of Adonai is His treasure.
- Judges 9:15And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If you truly are going to anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shadow; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’
- Psalms 57:1For the music director, “Do Not Destroy,” a Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.
- Isaiah 30:2who go down to Egypt, but did not consult Me, to take refuge in Pharaoh’s stronghold, to seek shelter in Egypt’s shadow.
- Isaiah 32:2Each will be like a refuge from the wind and a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a massive rock in a weary land.
- Deuteronomy 30:19“I call the heavens and the earth to witness about you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life so that you and your descendants may live,
- Deuteronomy 32:47For it is not an empty thing for you, because it is your life! By this word you will prolong your days on the land, which you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.”
- Proverbs 3:18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and blessed will be all who hold firmly to her.
- Proverbs 8:35For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from Adonai.
- Proverbs 9:11For through me your days will be many and years will be added to your life.
- Proverbs 11:4Riches make no profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers 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
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