Ecclesiastes 2:15
Ecclesiastes 2:15 in Multiple Translations
So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile.
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then said I in my heart, that this also is vanity.
Then said I in my heart: As it comes to the foolish man, so will it come to me; so why have I been wise overmuch? Then I said in my heart: This again is to no purpose.
Then I thought to myself, “If I'm going to end up the same as a fool, what's the point of being so wise?” So I thought to myself, “This is also hard to understand!”
Then I thought in mine heart, It befalleth vnto me, as it befalleth to ye foole. Why therefore doe I then labour to be more wise? And I sayd in mine heart, that this also is vanitie.
and I said in my heart, 'As it happeneth with the fool, it happeneth also with me, and why am I then more wise?' And I spake in my heart, that also this [is] vanity:
Then I said in my heart, “As it happens to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise?” Then I said in my heart that this also is vanity.
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
And I said in my heart: If the death of the fool and mine shall be one, what doth it avail me, that I have applied myself more to the study of wisdom? And speaking with my own mind, I perceived that this also was vanity.
So I said to myself, “I am very wise, but I will die at the end of my life, like foolish people do. So ◄how has it benefited me to be very wise?/it certainly has not benefited me to be very wise [RHQ]►. I do not understand why people consider that it is valuable to be wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַ֨רְתִּֽי
אֲנִ֜י
בְּ/לִבִּ֗/י
כְּ/מִקְרֵ֤ה
הַ/כְּסִיל֙
גַּם
אֲנִ֣י
יִקְרֵ֔/נִי
וְ/לָ֧/מָּה
חָכַ֛מְתִּי
אֲנִ֖י
אָ֣ז
יוֹתֵ֑ר
וְ/דִבַּ֣רְתִּי
בְ/לִבִּ֔/י
שֶׁ/גַּם
זֶ֖ה
הָֽבֶל
וְ/אָמַ֨רְתִּֽי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֜י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
בְּ/לִבִּ֗/י
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כְּ/מִקְרֵ֤ה
miqreh
H4745
accident
Prep | N-ms
הַ/כְּסִיל֙
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Art | Adj
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יִקְרֵ֔/נִי
qârâh
H7136
to meet
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/לָ֧/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Prep | Part
חָכַ֛מְתִּי
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
יוֹתֵ֑ר
yôwthêr
H3148
advantage
N-ms
וְ/דִבַּ֣רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-1cs
בְ/לִבִּ֔/י
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
שֶׁ/גַּם
gam
H1571
also
Rel | Adv
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הָֽבֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:15
וְ/אָמַ֨רְתִּֽי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲנִ֜י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
בְּ/לִבִּ֗/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
כְּ/מִקְרֵ֤ה
miqreh
H4745
"accident"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means an unexpected event or accident, like something that happens by chance. It appears in the Bible to describe an unforeseen meeting or occurrence, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to convey a sense of surprise or coincidence.
Definition: 1) unforeseen meeting or event, accident, happening, chance, fortune 1a) accident, chance 1b) fortune, fate
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: something befallen, befalleth, chance, event, hap(-peneth). See also: Ruth 2:3; Ecclesiastes 2:15; Ecclesiastes 9:3.
הַ/כְּסִיל֙
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יִקְרֵ֔/נִי
qârâh
H7136
"to meet"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.
וְ/לָ֧/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
חָכַ֛מְתִּי
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
יוֹתֵ֑ר
yôwthêr
H3148
"advantage"
N-ms
This word means advantage or superiority, describing something as better or more than enough. It is used in various forms, including as an adjective, noun, or conjunction. It can also mean besides or moreover.
Definition: 1) superiority, advantage, excess adv 2) excess, better conj 3) besides, moreover, more
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: better, more(-over), over, profit. See also: Esther 6:6; Ecclesiastes 7:11; Ecclesiastes 12:12.
וְ/דִבַּ֣רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בְ/לִבִּ֔/י
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
שֶׁ/גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
Rel | Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הָֽבֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 2:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 2:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:15
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:15
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:15
Context — The Wise and the Foolish
13And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:
14The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both.
15So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile.
16For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! 17So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 6:8 | What advantage, then, has the wise man over the fool? What gain comes to the poor man who knows how to conduct himself before others? |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 1:14 | I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 1:2 | “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 1:16 | I said to myself, “Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.” |
| 5 | 1 Kings 3:12 | behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 1:18–1 | — |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 2:16 | For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! |
Ecclesiastes 2:15 Summary
This verse is saying that even though being wise is better than being foolish, we all end up in the same place - we all die. The author is wondering what the point of being wise is if that's the case. This is a reminder that our lives are short and that we should focus on what really matters, like our relationship with God, as noted in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. It's not about being smart or achieving great things, but about living a life that honors God and brings fulfillment, as seen in Matthew 16:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the fate of the fool will befall the wise?
This means that despite the differences between wisdom and folly, both the wise and the fool will ultimately face the same end, which is death and possibly oblivion, as noted in Ecclesiastes 2:16 and also in Psalms 49:10.
Is the author suggesting that being wise is pointless?
The author is highlighting the limitations of wisdom in the face of mortality and the fleeting nature of human achievements, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:15 and also in Ecclesiastes 3:19.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Ecclesiastes?
This verse contributes to the book's theme of the vanity and futility of life under the sun, encouraging readers to consider what truly brings fulfillment and meaning, as discussed in Ecclesiastes 1:2 and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
What does the phrase 'this too is futile' imply about the author's perspective on life?
The phrase suggests that the author has come to realize that even the pursuit of wisdom, which is generally considered a noble and worthwhile endeavor, is ultimately subject to the same limitations and frustrations as other aspects of life, as noted in Ecclesiastes 2:17 and also in Romans 8:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced the futility of my own pursuits, and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How does the reality of my own mortality shape my priorities and values, and what adjustments can I make to live a more meaningful life?
- In what ways can I balance the pursuit of wisdom with the recognition of its limitations, and what role should faith play in that balance?
- What does it mean for me to 'number my days' and 'apply my heart to wisdom', as encouraged in Psalms 90:12, in light of the themes presented in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:15
Then said I in my heart, as it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me,.... The wisest of kings, and the wisest of men; that is, he looked over things in his mind, and considered what had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:15
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:15
Why was I then more wise? what benefit have I by my wisdom? or, to what purpose did I desire and take so much pains for wisdom?
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:15
Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also [is] vanity. Ver 15. As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth.] It is with men as with counters, though in the account one stand for a penny, another for a pound, yet in the bag there is no difference; so here in the event all our wisdom is soon refuted with one black Theta, which understanding us not, snappeth us unrespectively without distinction, and putteth at once a period to our reading and to our being. And why was I then more wise?] This is a piece of peevishness, a childish folly we are all prone to - viz., to repent us of our best pains if not presently paid for it; so short spirited are we, that unless we may sow and reap all in a day, unless all things may go with us as well as we could wish, we repent us of our repentance with David, hit God in the teeth with our obedience, as those hypocrites in Isaiah 58:2-3, and as that elder brother in the parable, that told his father he had never been worth a kid to him for all his good service. But, what! is God like to break or to die in our debts that we are so hasty with him? This was good Baruch’ s fault, and he is soundly chidden for it. Good men oft find it more easy to bear evil than to wait till the promised good be enjoyed. It was so with those Christian Hebrews, whom therefore the apostle there tells they had need of patience, υπομονη, or tarriance, to tarry God’ s time. It needs not repent the wise of this world, much less the children of light, of any good they have done or gotten, however it prove with them, since some degree of comfort follows every good action, as heat accompanies fire, as beams and influences issue from the sun.
And this is so true, that very heathens, upon the discharge of a good conscience, have found comfort and peace answerable.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:15
Verse 15. As it happeneth to the fool] Literally, "According as the event is to the fool, it happens to me, even me." There is a peculiar beauty and emphasis in the repetition of me. Having pointed out the advantages that wisdom has over folly, he takes this opportunity of reminding us of the danger of trusting too much to it, by showing that it is equally subject to the common accidents of life; and, therefore, incapable of making us completely happy. Having given his sentiments on this point in general terms, he proceeds to those particular instances wherein human prudence chiefly exerts itself; and shows how egregiously it is mistaken in every one of them.-C.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:15
15. why was I then more wise?] Better, Why have I been wise now overmuch? The very wisdom of the seeker might lead him to see that he has not only been wiser than others, but wiser than it was wise to be. The last word is almost identical with the “profit” which occurs so frequently. He found that he had a surplus of wisdom, and that it was but surplusage. We seem to hear an echo of the Μηδὲνἀγὰν, the Ne quid nimis (“Nothing in excess”) of Greek and Roman sages. So, with the same Hebrew word, we have in chap. Ecclesiastes 7:16, “Be not righteous over much.” So it was that the sentence of ‘Vanity’ was once more written on wisdom as well as folly. It is not without significance that the man feels the bitterness of the sentence, because, even in his wisdom, he, like the Stoics, had been egoistic. That he and the fool, the man of large discourse, and the man to whom culture was an unknown word, should die the same death, this made him curse his destiny.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:15
15. As it happeneth — The “it” before the “happeneth” refers to fate. To me — The Hebrew is very emphatic. Why was I… more wise — Better, Why am I then wise in any profit?
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:15
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This Was His Final Verdict! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true satisfaction can only be found in the love and presence of the Lord, as illustrated by Solomon's reflections on his own pursuits, which he deemed |
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Happiness by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes that true happiness is found in a relationship with God, as expressed in Psalm 144:15. He recounts a confrontation between an atheist and an old woman who chal |
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Vanities Social and Political. 4:1-16 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher reflects on the endless cycle of vanity and hopelessness that plagues humanity. He observes the oppression and suffering in the world, l |
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Epistle 353 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and the righteousness of His kingdom, emphasizing the need to be heavenly-minded and to believe in the |
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A Jug of Water by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a man who had forgotten his purpose in life and became consumed by worldly desires. The man had a happy life with a wealthy wife and |
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The Flow of Materialism by Francis Schaeffer | Francis Schaeffer addresses the pervasive influence of materialism and relativism in both Western and Eastern thought, arguing that these worldviews lead to a lack of meaning and m |
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Living for Your Job by David Hocking | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of true lasting satisfaction and joy. He emphasizes that satisfaction and enjoyment come from the resources of God alone, as stat |