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Selected Verse: Ecclesiates 7:12 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
Ec 7:12 |
King James |
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. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Literally, (To be) in (that is, under) the shadow (Isa 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 (Pro 3:18; Joh 17:3; Pe2 1:3). Wisdom (religion) cannot be lost as money can. It shields one in adversity, as well as prosperity; money, only in prosperity. The question in Ecc 7:10 implies a want of it. |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Wisdom is a defense ... - See the margin and Psa 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" Pro 3:18; the deeper meaning of which is elicited by comparing these words with Joh 6:63; Mat 4:4. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
Life - But herein knowledge of wisdom excels riches, that whereas riches frequently expose men to destruction, true wisdom doth often preserve a man from temporal, and always from eternal ruin. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
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. |
10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.