Ecclesiastes 7 12

Ecclesiastes 7:12 kjv

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.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 nkjv

For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 niv

Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 esv

For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 nlt

Wisdom and money can get you almost anything,
but only wisdom can save your life.

Ecclesiastes 7 verses

Ecclesiastes 7 12 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 7:12 articulates a profound truth about two common sources of human security: wisdom and money. It acknowledges that both offer a form of "protection" or "shade," implying shelter from life's adversities. However, the verse immediately establishes a crucial distinction, asserting that wisdom possesses a superior "advantage." This advantage lies in its unique ability to "preserve the life" of its possessor, implying a deeper, more enduring form of sustenance and well-being than what mere material wealth can provide.

Ecclesiastes 7 12 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 7 stands within Kohelet's (the Preacher's) philosophical inquiry into the meaning and futility of life "under the sun" (a recurring phrase signifying life apart from divine revelation, viewed from a human perspective). This chapter presents a series of paradoxical sayings and reflections, often contrasting wisdom and folly, good and bad, life and death. The Preacher grapples with the complexities and difficulties of human existence, observing that righteousness does not always guarantee prosperity, nor does wickedness always lead to immediate ruin. Amidst this backdrop of life's unpredictable nature, verse 12 offers a pragmatic comparison: both wisdom and money can provide security. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern societies, both practical wisdom (skill in trade, governance) and accumulated wealth were highly valued for their ability to ensure survival, reputation, and comfort. However, Kohelet, through the lens of hebel (vanity/futility), subtly questions the ultimate efficacy of these earthly protections, highlighting wisdom's deeper, life-giving quality that transcends mere material benefit. This sets the stage for understanding wisdom not just as worldly cleverness but as an approach to life, potentially rooted in divine insight, that offers true advantage in an often-futile world.

Ecclesiastes 7 12 Word analysis

• For wisdom (כִּי בְצֵל הַחָכְמָה - ki bətsel hakhokhʹmāh):
  • כִּי (ki): A particle often translated "for," "because," or "indeed." It introduces a reason or explanation for what precedes.
  • בְצֵל (bətsel): This phrase uses the preposition be- (in) and the noun tsel (shadow, shade). It literally means "in the shadow of" or "under the shadow of." It strongly conveys the idea of protection, shelter, and refuge from harm (like shade protects from the scorching sun). It suggests a practical, tangible form of security.
  • הַחָכְמָה (hakhokhʹmāh): "The wisdom." This is the general Hebrew term for wisdom, encompassing intellectual understanding, practical skill, discernment, and often, in wisdom literature, moral and theological insight rooted in the fear of the Lord. Here, it refers to its protective quality.
• is a protection as money is a protection (כְּצֵל הַכָּסֶף - kətsel hakesef):
  • כְּצֵל (kətsel): Similar to the previous phrase, this uses the prefix ka- (like, as) with tsel (shadow, protection). It literally means "as the shadow of" or "like the protection of." This parallel structure establishes a direct comparison between wisdom and money.
  • הַכָּסֶף (hakesef): "The money," specifically referring to silver (which was common currency). It signifies material wealth and resources. The verse acknowledges money's tangible, protective value, such as providing food, shelter, and security against want.
• but the advantage (וְיִתְרוֹן - vəyitrōn):
  • וְ (və): The conjunction "and" or "but." Here it introduces a contrast or clarification.
  • יִתְרוֹן (yitrōn): A key term in Ecclesiastes, often translated "profit," "advantage," "gain," or "superiority." Kohelet uses this term frequently to question what truly remains or is genuinely beneficial in life "under the sun." Its use here signifies a superior, more enduring benefit that wisdom offers compared to wealth.
• of knowledge (דַּעַת - daʿat):
  • דַּעַת (daʿat): "Knowledge" or "understanding." Often closely linked with wisdom in Hebrew thought. While chokhmah can be more about practical discernment, daʿat often refers to a deeper cognitive grasp and familiarity, implying true insight.
• is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it (הַחָכְמָה תְּחַיֶּה בְעָלֶיהָ - hakhakhʹmāh təḥayyèh vǝʿalehā):
  • תְּחַיֶּה (təḥayyèh): A strong verb meaning "it gives life," "it causes to live," "it preserves life," or "it quickens." This is far more profound than mere protection. It suggests vitality, sustenance, and continuation of existence, perhaps even a quality of life that transcends the physical or temporal.
  • בְעָלֶיהָ (vǝʿalehā): "Its owners," literally "its lords/masters." Refers to those who possess or exercise wisdom.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For wisdom is a protection as money is a protection": This phrase establishes a direct, structural parallelism. It concedes that both wisdom and money serve a similar immediate function – they offer tsel (shade/protection) from life's harshness. This demonstrates Kohelet's pragmatic observation of life, acknowledging that wealth indeed provides security, just as wisdom does. However, by equating them initially, he sets up the distinction that immediately follows. The shared tsel highlights their common outward appearance of providing security.
• "but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it": This is the crux of the verse and contains Kohelet's characteristic yithron (advantage/profit) concept. The yithron is not just in more protection, but in a fundamentally different kind of protection: "preserving life" (תְּחַיֶּה). This moves beyond mere temporary comfort or material safety (which money offers) to an enduring vitality. "Knowledge" (דַּעַת) here is virtually synonymous with "wisdom" (chokhmah), emphasizing the deep, intrinsic understanding that leads to this life-giving benefit. This preservation of life implies not only physical longevity, but also well-being, purpose, and spiritual vitality in the face of futility, mortality, and life's ultimate questions, which are central themes of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 7 12 Bonus section

The Kohelet's comparison here subtly highlights the recurring theme of hebel (vanity/futility) that permeates Ecclesiastes. While both wisdom and money can provide temporary tsel (shade), only wisdom offers yithron (lasting advantage) because money, like all material things "under the sun," is ultimately subject to transience, loss, and the inevitability of death. Money's protection ceases at the grave, and its capacity to avert suffering is limited. Wisdom, however, by guiding a life lived rightly and fostering an understanding of divine order (even in Kohelet's sometimes cynical perspective), provides a form of existential security that transcends immediate circumstances and the ultimate human fate. It suggests that while worldly benefits are real, their ultimate value must be measured against that which endures. This prepares the reader for the book's final conclusion, which directs humanity towards fearing God and keeping His commandments as the ultimate wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 7 12 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:12 presents a clear comparison between wisdom and wealth, initially portraying them as functional equivalents in providing security. Both offer a "shade" or protection against the vicissitudes of life. Money offers material security—shelter, food, comfort—guarding against immediate want and certain physical dangers. Wisdom, in turn, provides practical discernment, good judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations, thus shielding one from the pitfalls of folly or rash decisions. However, Kohelet swiftly shifts from equivalence to hierarchy. The true "advantage" (yithron) lies with wisdom because it "preserves life." This preservation goes beyond mere physical existence or temporary relief that wealth offers. While money can purchase healthcare or comforts, it cannot avert death, nor can it provide inner peace, meaning, or spiritual sustenance in the face of existential questions. Wisdom, especially wisdom rooted in the fear of the Lord, guides one through life's trials, fosters moral character, and allows one to respond to adversity with a right perspective. It equips the individual to truly live and thrive, facing life and death with understanding, something that accumulated silver cannot accomplish. Wisdom is an internal, abiding asset, whereas money is an external, transient one. It's about resilience, purpose, and an ultimate hope that money cannot buy.