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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:11-22

Solomon, in these verses, recommends wisdom to us as the best antidote against those distempers of mind which we are liable to, by reason of the vanity and vexation of spirit that there are in the things of this world. Here are some of the praises and the precepts of wisdom. I. The praises of wisdom. Many things are here said in its commendation, to engage us to get and retain wisdom. 1. Wisdom is necessary to the right managing and improving of our worldly possessions: Wisdom is good with an... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:12

For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence ,.... Or, a "shadow" of refreshment and protection, under which men sit with pleasure and safety; a man by his wisdom, and so by his money, is able to defend himself against the injuries and oppressions of others, and especially when both meet in one and the same man. Jarchi renders and interprets it, "he that is in the shadow of wisdom is in the shadow of money, for wisdom is the cause why riches come;' and so the Targum, "as a man... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 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. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:8-14

Section 2. Here follow some recommendations to patience and resignation under the ordering of God's providence. Such conduct is shown to be true wisdom. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:12

For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense ; literally, in the shade is wisdom , in the shade is money ; Septuagint, ὅτι ἐν σκιᾷ αὐτῆς ἡ σοφία ὡς σκιὰ ἀργυρίου , "For in its shadow wisdom is as the shadow of money." Symmachus has, σκέπει σοφία ὡς σκέπει τὸ ἀργύριον , "Wisdom shelters as money shelters." The Vulgate explains the obscure text by paraphrasing, Sieur enirn protegit sapientia, sic protegit petunia . Shadow, in Oriental phrase, is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:12

Wisdom is a defense ... - See the margin and Psalms 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 more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12. Wisdom is good That is, very good; the positive being put for the superlative, as it frequently is in the Hebrew text; with an inheritance When wisdom and riches meet in one man, it is a happy conjunction, for wisdom without riches wants opportunities and instruments of doing that good in the world which it is willing and desirous of doing; and riches without wisdom are like a sword in a madman’s hand, and an occasion of much sin and mischief both to himself and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

Proverbs about life and death (7:1-14)The writer now faces up to the fact that people have to make their way through life in spite of its various misfortunes. Through a collection of proverbs he points out that whatever circumstances they find themselves in, they should use them to the best advantage.To begin with, people should desire a good reputation. If they live worthwhile lives, the day of their death will be more important than the day of their birth. It will be the climax that confirms... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12. Wisdom is good with an inheritance— Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; nay, more profitable to them who see the sun; because both wisdom and money are a shelter to their possessors; but the advantage of the knowledge of wisdom is, that it preserveth the life of them who seek it. The preference given to wisdom is not doubtful; but the reason given for that preference, as expressed in most translations, does not seem to have much strength in it. Wisdom gives life to them... read more

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