Ecclesiastes 7 19

Ecclesiastes 7:19 kjv

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

Ecclesiastes 7:19 nkjv

Wisdom strengthens the wise More than ten rulers of the city.

Ecclesiastes 7:19 niv

Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city.

Ecclesiastes 7:19 esv

Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

Ecclesiastes 7:19 nlt

One wise person is stronger than ten leading citizens of a town!

Ecclesiastes 7 verses

Ecclesiastes 7 19 Meaning

Ecclesiastes 7:19 states that wisdom provides the wise individual with greater strength and security than any amount of worldly power, even the collective might of many influential leaders within a city. It underscores the superior, inner, and practical advantage wisdom offers compared to external political or military authority. This strength refers to inner fortitude, strategic foresight, and the ability to navigate life's challenges effectively, providing a more robust defense and influence than physical might or high position alone.

Ecclesiastes 7 19 Context

Ecclesiastes chapter 7 presents a series of paradoxical observations and comparisons about life, wisdom, folly, and suffering, characteristic of the Preacher's (Qoheleth's) search for meaning "under the sun." The verses preceding 7:19 advocate for the benefits of wisdom over foolishness (e.g., v. 11-12) and advise finding a balance between extreme righteousness and wickedness, trusting God's overarching plan (v. 13-18). Verse 19 specifically emphasizes wisdom's pragmatic power as a shield and an asset, serving as a climactic statement within a segment (v. 11-19) that extols the protective and strengthening qualities of wisdom. It directly contrasts the internal, durable strength of wisdom with the external, often transient, power of rulers. Historically, a city ruled by ten (or any multiple of ten, often symbolizing a significant or complete number) powerful individuals represented formidable authority and might, underscoring the Teacher's assertion that wisdom provides a greater, more profound security than such earthly establishments.

Ecclesiastes 7 19 Word analysis

• Wisdom (חָכְמָה - chokhmah):

  • This is not merely intellectual knowledge or accumulation of facts.
  • It signifies practical skill, discernment, prudence, moral insight, and the ability to apply truth effectively in life's situations.
  • In the Bible, true chokhmah often begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov 9:10) and is divinely sourced. It enables right living and effective navigation of complex realities.

• Makes stronger (עָזַז - 'azaz):

  • From the root meaning "to be strong, mighty, powerful, defiant."
  • It implies empowerment, fortifying, or rendering one more formidable.
  • The strength conveyed is not brute physical force but rather strategic advantage, resilience, and unyielding character in the face of adversity or opposition.

• The wise (לֶחָכָם - lekhacham):

  • Refers to one who possesses and lives by chokhmah.
  • It describes an individual characterized by sagacity, insight, and good judgment, capable of sound decision-making and ethical living.

• Than ten rulers (מֵעֲשָׂרָה שַׁלִּיטִים - me'asarah shalliṭim):

  • Ten (asarah): This number is often used in a general sense in Hebrew to signify completeness, a substantial quantity, or multitude rather than an exact literal count (e.g., "ten thousand," or the ten tribes). It represents significant worldly authority.
  • Rulers (shalliṭim): These are powerful, influential figures; governors, officials, or those holding significant authority in a city. Their power lies in their position, decree, and access to physical/military force.
  • Group significance: This phrase collectively represents substantial political, military, or social power. It denotes an external, worldly force that commands and exerts control. The comparison highlights wisdom's superior, internal influence over such external authority.

• In a city (בָּעִיר - ba'ir):

  • A "city" in ancient times was typically a self-contained unit, often fortified, representing a seat of power, commerce, and human aggregation.
  • It underscores that the comparison is relevant within the spheres of practical life and human society, where rulers wield visible power. Wisdom provides a stronger foundation even amidst such structured authority.

Ecclesiastes 7 19 Bonus section

The strength derived from wisdom, as described in this verse, isn't about physical combat or leading armies, but rather about intellectual and moral capacity. It signifies superior discernment, ability to anticipate consequences, prudence in actions, and capacity for effective counsel. These qualities often yield greater influence, protection, and successful outcomes than any power vested in mere titles or weaponry. This verse highlights the enduring quality of wisdom; while rulers and their power fade, the insights and benefits of wisdom persist.

Ecclesiastes 7 19 Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:19 is a concise and potent declaration of wisdom's preeminent value, offering practical strength that surpasses all forms of earthly power. The Preacher asserts that true wisdom bestows an inherent advantage, not necessarily in overt political authority, but in superior judgment, moral fortitude, and strategic capability. A wise person is equipped to navigate complex societal challenges, withstand adversity, and make prudent decisions, proving more effective and secure than any multitude of mere rulers relying solely on their worldly status or might. Wisdom offers a deeper security and inner resilience, enabling its possessor to stand firm when worldly structures might crumble. It champions foresight, understanding, and integrity as far more formidable and reliable defenses in life's unpredictable landscape than political muscle or brute force, echoing a fundamental theme found throughout the biblical wisdom literature.