Ecclesiastes 7:19

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 7:19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise ,.... Against such extremes as before mentioned; it is a guard about him, as well as a guide unto him; it is a defence unto him, as before observed, Ecclesiastes 7:12 ; and is better than strength of body, or weapons of war, Ecclesiastes 9:16 ; and a wise man does greater things by it than a strong man with them, and is safer with it than he can be by them. Some understand this of Christ, the Wisdom of God, without whom a good man can do nothing, but all... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise - One wise, thoroughly learned, and scientific man, may be of more use in fortifying and defending a city, than ten princes. Witness the case of Syracuse, when attacked by the Romans both by sea and land. Archimedes, by his engines, burnt and dashed their fleet to pieces, and destroyed all that came near the walls. And had not the city been betrayed and he killed, all their force and skill could not have taken it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:15-22

Section 3. Warnings against excesses , and praise of the golden mean , which is practical wisdom and the art of living happily. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise . The moderation enjoined is the only true wisdom, which, indeed, is the most powerful incentive and support. "Wisdom proves itself stronger" (as the verb is put intransitively) "to the wise man." Septuagint, βοηθήσει ," will help;" Vulgate, confortuvit , "hath strengthened." The spiritual and moral force of the wisdom grounded upon the fear of God is here signified, and is all the more insisted upon to counteract any erroneous impression conveyed by... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ecclesiastes 7:18-20

Ecclesiastes 7:18-20. It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this Embrace and practise this counsel last given. Also from this withdraw not thy hand From the practice of the preceding advice: for he that feareth God Who orders his actions so as to please God, and keep his commandments, walking by the rule of his word; shall come forth of them all Shall be delivered from all extremes, and from all the evil consequences of them. This verse seems more exactly rendered by a late... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:15-29

Avoid extremes (7:15-29)One of the puzzles of life is that bad people often have long and prosperous lives, but good people suffer and sometimes die before they have had a chance to enjoy life. The writer suggests that people follow a middle course through life, where they do not ruin their lives through being either over-zealous for goodness and wisdom or over-tolerant towards sin and foolishness. Those who fear God will be successful in avoiding both extremes (15-18).Certainly, wisdom is... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ecclesiastes 7:19

the wise = a wise man. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:19

THREE PROVERBS"Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers that are in a city. Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not. Also take not heed to all words that are spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee; for oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.""Wisdom is a strength ... more than ten rulers" (Ecclesiastes 7:19). The statement here is a variation of what Solomon wrote in Proverbs 21:22.... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:19

Ecclesiastes 7:19. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise— That wisdom (see Ecclesiastes 7:18.) will strengthen the wise, more than ten princes which are in a city. From the 16th to the 20th verse we have the fourth advice. All affectation must be avoided. An over-affectation to be better or wiser than the rest of mankind, can turn to no good account. This affectation of righteousness is real folly: Ecclesiastes 7:16-20. The contrary extreme is still more pernicious, though it is the case of many to... read more

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