Ecclesiastes 7:17-22

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 7:17

Be not over much wicked ,.... Not that a man should be wicked at all; but some, observing that wicked men prolong their days in wickedness, are encouraged to go into greater lengths in sin than they have yet done, and give up themselves to all iniquity; and run into excess of not, into the grossest and most scandalous enormities. Some render it, "do not disturb" or "frighten thyself" F1 אל תרשע "ne paveas", Pagninus; "ne te occupes multum, aut distrahas te, sive inquietes", some in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:18

It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this ,.... This advice, as the Arabic version, in the several branches of it; neither to be over much righteous or wicked, and over much wise or foolish; to avoid the one and the other, to keep clear of extremes, and pursue the path that is safest; such advice as this it is right to lay hold on, embrace, and hold fast; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand ; from what follows concerning the fear of God; or "this and this" may be... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:20

For there is not a just man upon earth ,.... Or "although", or "notwithstanding" F4 כי "quamvis", Junius & Tremelllus, Amama, so Broughton; "attamen", Grotius. , wisdom is so beneficial, and guards and strengthens a good man, yet no man has such a share of it as to live without sin; there was not then one on earth, there never had been, one, nor never would be, nor has been, excepting the man Christ Jesus; who indeed, as man, was perfectly just, while here on earth, and went... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:21

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken ,.... Seeing so it is, that imperfection attends the best of men, no man is wise at all times, foolish words and unguarded expressions will sometimes drop from him, which it is better to take no notice of; they should not be strictly attended to, and closely examined, since they will not bear it. A man should not listen to everything that is said of himself or others; he should not curiously inquire what men say of him; and what he himself... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ecclesiastes 7:22

For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth ,.... Or "thy conscience", as the Vulgate Latin version, which is as a thousand witnesses; which, if a man attends to, he will be convinced of his own faults, failings, and infirmities, he is frequently in the commission of. Particularly, that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others ; either in heart, or with the tongue; thought ill of them, wished ill to them; spoke contemptibly of them, reviled and reproached them; called them by bad names,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:17

Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? - הרבה תרשע אל al tirsha harbeh . Do not multiply wickedness, do not add direct opposition to godliness to the rest of your crimes. Why should you provoke God to destroy you before your time? Perdition will come soon enough. If you will not turn from your sins, and avoid it finally, yet keep out of it as long as you can. It cannot be supposed, except by those who are totally unacquainted with the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ecclesiastes 7:18

It is good that thou shouldest take hold or this - Do not let such an observation slip: take hold of this; do not forget that. Get what you can in an honest way; but do not forget to get true religion; for he that fears God will be saved from all evil. 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

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