Ecclesiastes 7 11

Ecclesiastes 7:11 kjv

Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

Ecclesiastes 7:11 nkjv

Wisdom is good with an inheritance, And profitable to those who see the sun.

Ecclesiastes 7:11 niv

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.

Ecclesiastes 7:11 esv

Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.

Ecclesiastes 7:11 nlt

Wisdom is even better when you have money.
Both are a benefit as you go through life.

Ecclesiastes 7 verses

Ecclesiastes 7 11 Meaning

This verse states that wisdom holds great value, especially when combined with inherited wealth. It posits that such a combination brings a significant advantage and profit to those who are living and experiencing life in the world. Wisdom, in this context, is not presented as an alternative to material possessions, but as a crucial complement that elevates and maximizes the benefit of an inheritance, guiding its proper use and preservation. Without wisdom, even great wealth can be a source of folly and destruction; with it, an inheritance becomes a tool for effective and righteous living.

Ecclesiastes 7 11 Context

Ecclesiastes, known for its exploration of life "under the sun," delves into the vanity and futility found in worldly pursuits without acknowledging God. Chapter 7 takes a more instructional turn, comparing and contrasting various aspects of life, often using paradoxical statements (e.g., sorrow is better than laughter, 7:3). It emphasizes the value of prudence, patience, and recognizing life's inherent difficulties. This verse (7:11) falls within a section where the Teacher (Qoheleth) asserts the tangible benefits of wisdom. It appears immediately before Ecclesiastes 7:12, which directly states that wisdom preserves life, highlighting wisdom's protective power, a theme built upon by 7:11 by adding the element of material wealth. The verse provides a pragmatic, earth-bound perspective on the positive impact of wisdom on one's well-being and inherited possessions, distinguishing it from accumulated wealth which can be fleeting or destructive.

Ecclesiastes 7 11 Word analysis

• Wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah): This Hebrew term refers to more than mere intellectual knowledge. It signifies practical skill, discernment, prudent living, and the ability to navigate life's complexities in a godly way. In the Old Testament, particularly Proverbs and Job, chokmah is often portrayed as divine in origin and intimately connected to the fear of the Lord, enabling one to make right choices and understand the true nature of reality "under the sun."
• is good (טוֹב, tov): This word denotes something that is excellent, beneficial, pleasant, or morally upright. When applied to wisdom, it signifies that wisdom is intrinsically valuable and leads to favorable outcomes, prosperity, and a desirable state of being.
• with an inheritance (עִם־נַחֲלָה, `im-naḥalah):
  • with (`im): This preposition means "with," "alongside," "together with." It suggests companionship, concomitance, or synergy, implying that wisdom works best in conjunction with an inheritance, rather than replacing it. It highlights an advantageous blend.
  • an inheritance (naḥalah): This typically refers to inherited property, land, or a share in a tribal or family possession. It can also imply a portion or legacy. In Ecclesiastes, it points to existing material resources or acquired wealth that one holds. The verse acknowledges the reality and presence of inherited wealth as part of life.
• an advantage (וְיִתְרֹן, və-yitrōn): This noun, used frequently by Qoheleth, often carries the connotation of "profit," "gain," "superiority," or "surplus." It asks, "What advantage is there?" and here uses it positively. It suggests that wisdom not only enhances the value of an inheritance but provides a distinct beneficial outcome, a "plus," which is significant and tangible within life "under the sun." It's the enduring benefit that remains.
• to those who see the sun (לְרֹאֵי הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ, lə-ro'ē haššāmeš): This is a common phrase in Ecclesiastes, vividly portraying living human beings. It emphasizes life itself, especially the earthly, temporal existence lived in the light of day. It contrasts with death or the realm beyond earthly experience (Sheol). The "advantage" of wisdom and an inheritance is therefore something tangible and experienced in this present life, before one "goes to the land of darkness."
• "Wisdom is good with an inheritance": This phrase highlights the practical and synergistic benefit. Wisdom allows for the responsible and fruitful management of material assets. An inheritance, without wisdom, might be squandered or become a source of strife and misery. With wisdom, it can be preserved, multiplied, or used for beneficial purposes, avoiding the pitfalls often associated with wealth. It's not advocating for mere accumulation, but for enlightened stewardship.
• "an advantage to those who see the sun": This part underlines the real, tangible, and positive impact of this combination on a person's life while they are living. It brings true gain or superiority in one's earthly existence. This contrasts with the often-repeated "vanity" or lack of lasting "profit" from many other human endeavors.

Ecclesiastes 7 11 Bonus section

This verse subtly argues against a one-sided ascetic view that disavows all material possessions or views them as inherently evil. Instead, it advocates for a balanced approach where earthly provisions are seen as neutral tools, their true value determined by the wisdom of their possessor. It implies that material means can serve good ends when guided by divine wisdom. The phrase "to those who see the sun" places emphasis on life in this world, reminding the reader that Qoheleth often seeks practical, tangible benefits for earthly living, not solely an otherworldly existence. However, this does not contradict a God-centered worldview; rather, it encourages living prudently within that framework. This verse anticipates and complements the idea in 7:12 that wisdom protects and preserves life more effectively than mere money.

Ecclesiastes 7 11 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:11 presents a pragmatic wisdom, balancing the material with the spiritual, a recurring tension in the book. It asserts that wisdom is intrinsically valuable ("good"), and its benefits are magnified when paired with inherited wealth. The Teacher understands that an "inheritance" can be a blessing or a curse. Wealth without wisdom can lead to destructive indulgence, covetousness, fear, and sorrow, as other verses in Ecclesiastes testify. However, when wisdom governs one's life, especially in the context of material resources, it transforms a potential burden into an asset. Wisdom provides the discernment to manage wealth, to use it generously, to avoid its common snares, and to extract genuine benefit from it. This verse serves as a sober reminder that while money can provide a measure of protection or comfort, wisdom, being divine in origin and leading to prudence, is the true guiding force that provides "advantage" and "profit" to the living. It equips individuals to navigate the complex realities of life "under the sun," making life truly "good" even amidst its inevitable hardships.Examples: A wise person with an inheritance might invest it wisely, use it to support family, contribute to community well-being, or mitigate financial stress, whereas a foolish person might quickly squander it on fleeting pleasures or fall prey to deceptive schemes.