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Ecclesiastes 2:19

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Ecclesiastes 2:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile.

King James Version KJV

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

American Standard Version ASV

And who knoweth whether he will be a wise man or a fool? yet will he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And who is to say if that man will be wise or foolish? But he will have power over all my work which I have done and in which I have been wise under the sun. This again is to no purpose.

Free Bible Version FBV

And who knows whether he will be wise or foolish? Yet he will rule over everything I accomplished through my wisdom here on earth. This is just so frustrating, so hard to understand!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And who knoweth whether he shalbe wise or foolish? yet shall hee haue rule ouer all my labour, wherein I haue trauailed, and wherein I haue shewed my selfe wise vnder the sunne. This is also vanitie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And who knoweth whether he is wise or foolish? yet he doth rule over all my labour that I have laboured at, and that I have done wisely under the sun! this also [is] vanity.

World English Bible WEB

Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have showed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Whom I know not whether he will be a wise man or a fool, and he shall have rule over all my labours with which I have laboured and been solicitous: and is there any thing so vain?

Translation for Translators T4T

And ◄who/no one► knows [RHQ] whether he will be wise or whether he will be foolish. But even if he is foolish, he will acquire all the things that I worked very hard and wisely to get.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 2:19

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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 2:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מִ֣י יוֹדֵ֗עַ הֶֽ/חָכָ֤ם יִהְיֶה֙ א֣וֹ סָכָ֔ל וְ/יִשְׁלַט֙ בְּ/כָל עֲמָלִ֔/י שֶֽׁ/עָמַ֥לְתִּי וְ/שֶׁ/חָכַ֖מְתִּי תַּ֣חַת הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ גַּם זֶ֖ה הָֽבֶל
וּ/מִ֣י mîy H4310 who? Conj | Part
יוֹדֵ֗עַ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal
הֶֽ/חָכָ֤ם châkâm H2450 wise Part | Adj
יִהְיֶה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
סָכָ֔ל çâkâl H5530 fool N-ms
וְ/יִשְׁלַט֙ shâlaṭ H7980 to domineer Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
עֲמָלִ֔/י ʻâmâl H5999 trouble N-cs | Suff
שֶֽׁ/עָמַ֥לְתִּי ʻâmal H5998 to toil Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וְ/שֶׁ/חָכַ֖מְתִּי châkam H2449 be wise Conj | Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 sun Art | N-cs
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
זֶ֖ה zeh H2088 this Pron
הָֽבֶל hebel H1892 vanity N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 2:19

וּ/מִ֣י mîy H4310 "who?" Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יוֹדֵ֗עַ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הֶֽ/חָכָ֤ם châkâm H2450 "wise" Part | Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
יִהְיֶה֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
א֣וֹ ʼôw H176 "or" Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
סָכָ֔ל çâkâl H5530 "fool" N-ms
This Hebrew word describes a foolish person, like in Proverbs 10:1, where it talks about a wise son versus a foolish son. It can also mean someone who acts silly or senseless. English Bibles usually translate it as 'fool' or 'foolish'.
Definition: fool
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish), sottish. See also: Ecclesiastes 2:19; Ecclesiastes 10:14; Jeremiah 4:22.
וְ/יִשְׁלַט֙ shâlaṭ H7980 "to domineer" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To shalat means to have power or control over something, like dominating or ruling. It can also imply giving someone power or permission to act.
Definition: 1) to domineer, exercise power over, dominate, have mastery, be master, lord it over 1a) (Qal) to domineer, lord it over, become master 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to give power of 1b2) to get mastery of Aramaic equivalent: she.let (שְׁלֵט "to rule" H7981)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (bear, have) rule, have dominion, give (have) power. See also: Nehemiah 5:15; Ecclesiastes 2:19; Psalms 119:133.
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲמָלִ֔/י ʻâmâl H5999 "trouble" N-cs | Suff
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
שֶֽׁ/עָמַ֥לְתִּי ʻâmal H5998 "to toil" Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To toil means to work very hard, often with difficulty or annoyance, like the laborers in the parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20.
Definition: 1) to labour, toil 1a) (Qal) to labour
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (take) labour (in). See also: Psalms 127:1; Ecclesiastes 2:20; Proverbs 16:26.
וְ/שֶׁ/חָכַ֖מְתִּי châkam H2449 "be wise" Conj | Rel | 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.
תַּ֣חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
הַ/שָּׁ֑מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 "sun" Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
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.
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 2:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
2 Ecclesiastes 3:22 I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him?
3 Ecclesiastes 9:13 I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me:
4 2 Chronicles 10:13–16 And the king answered them harshly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from God, in order that the LORD might fulfill the word that He had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat. When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home,
5 1 Kings 12:14–20 and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. So to this day Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David. When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.
6 James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
7 1 Kings 14:25–28 In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made. Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the captains of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace. And whenever the king entered the house of the LORD, the guards would bear the shields, and later they would return them to the guardroom.
8 2 Chronicles 12:9–10 So King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made. Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the captains of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace.
9 Luke 16:8 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.

Ecclesiastes 2:19 Summary

The writer of Ecclesiastes is saying that even though he worked hard and was skillful, someone else will come along and take over what he has done, and that person might not be wise or responsible. This makes the writer feel like all his hard work is pointless, as he says 'this too is futile'. But as Christians, we can remember that our true worth and purpose come from God, not from what we achieve or leave behind (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Matthew 6:19-20). We can trust that God is in control of our lives and our legacies, and that He will use everything for His glory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the writer of Ecclesiastes seem so pessimistic about the future of his labor?

The writer is pessimistic because he realizes that all his hard work will be inherited by someone who may not appreciate or wisely use what he has built, as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:19. This is a common concern for many people, as expressed in Psalms 39:6.

What does the writer mean by 'this too is futile' in Ecclesiastes 2:19?

The writer means that the fact that his labor will be taken over by someone who may be wise or foolish is another example of the fleeting nature of life and the lack of control we have over the future, as also noted in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 and Ecclesiastes 3:19.

How does this verse relate to the concept of legacy and inheritance?

This verse highlights the uncertainty of legacy and inheritance, as the writer's labor and achievements will be passed on to someone else, regardless of their character or abilities, similar to the concerns expressed in Proverbs 28:20 and Luke 12:20.

What can we learn from the writer's frustration and despair in this verse?

We can learn that it is natural to feel frustrated and despairing when we consider the impermanence of our achievements and the uncertainty of the future, but we can also find comfort in the fact that our true legacy is not in our earthly accomplishments, but in our relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 6:19-20 and 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some things that I am working hard for, and who will inherit them when I am gone?
  2. How does the uncertainty of the future affect my motivation and purpose in life?
  3. What are some ways that I can ensure that my labor and achievements are used for God's glory, regardless of who inherits them?
  4. How can I find comfort and peace in the face of uncertainty and impermanence, and what role does my faith play in this?
  5. What does this verse teach me about the importance of living in the present and trusting God with the future?

Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 2:19

And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool?.... The king that should be after him, as the Targum, that should be his successor and heir; and so whether he would make a good or bad use

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 2:19

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. I hated all my labour ... because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:19

A fool; who will undo all that I have done, and turn the effects of my wisdom into instruments of his folly, and occasions of ruin. Some think he had such an opinion of Rehoboam.

Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:19

Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise [man] or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This [is] also vanity.Ver. 19. And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man.] A friend or an enemy, an acquaintance or a mere stranger; riches oft change masters. How many by a just hand of God die childless! or else leave what they have to spendthrifts, that will spend it as merrily as ever their parents got it miserably! scatter with a fork, as it were, what they have wretchedly raked together. Our Henry II, some few hours before he died, saw a list of their names who conspired with the King of France, and Earl Richard, his son and successor, against him; and finding therein his son John - whom he had made Earl of Cornwall, Somerset, Nottingham, Derby, and Lancaster, and given him a vast estate - to be the first, he fell into a grievous passion, both cursing his sons, and the day wherein himself was born and in that distemperature departed the world, which so often himself had distempered. Daniel’ s History, 112.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:19

(19) Have rule.—The word occurs again in Ecclesiastes 6:2; Ecclesiastes 8:9; elsewhere only in Nehemiah and Esther. and in Psalms 119:133.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:19

Verse 19. A wise man or a fool?] Alas! Solomon, the wisest of all men, made the worst use of his wisdom, had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, and yet left but one son behind him, to possess his estates and his throne, and that one was the silliest of fools!

Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 2:19

19. who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man] We note in this rather the utterance of a generalized experience than, as some have thought, the special thought of the historical Solomon watching the growth of a character like Rehoboam. No man, whatever care he may take to entail his possessions, can secure an entail of character. And there is something irritating at times,—the writer seems to hint, almost maddening,—in the thought that whatever may be the character of the heir, he will have power to scatter in random waste what has been brought together, as with a purpose and a policy. Lands, libraries, galleries are all liable to be scattered and broken up. So in Psalms 39:6 we have as the doom of the mammon-worshipper, “He heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.” So the sting of the message that comes to the Rich Fool of the parable is “Then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided?” Luke 12:20.

Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:19

19. Who knoweth — The language of one evidently ignorant as to what the character of his heir will be — a wise man or a fool.

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 2:19

SermonDescription
Keith Daniel The Tongue by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the feeling of being left behind and the horror it brings. He relates this to the concept of failing in the school of God and having to go b
Annie Poonen 7) Wisdom for Sisters (Kannada) by Annie Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking divine wisdom for our earthly lives, distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom. It highlights the need for obedience to God's wor
Zac Poonen Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom in our lives, drawing insights from Psalms 90 and the life of Jesus. It highlights the need to submit to imperfect authori
Ed Miller (Luke) 01a - Introduction Cont. by Ed Miller In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Gospel of Luke and its portrayal of Jesus reaching out to the needy, humble, and broken. The sermon highlights the impact of a movie based
David P. Murray Tongue Taming by David P. Murray In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power and impact of our words. He uses various illustrations to emphasize how something small, like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder
Alistair Begg Who Is Wise? by Alistair Begg In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment. He urges his listeners to make straight paths for their feet and not to stray from the right path.
Hans Peter Royer Maintain the Connection - Part 4 by Hans Peter Royer In this sermon, the speaker discusses how to determine if a message is from God. They emphasize that the content of a word from God will always align with the general revelation fo
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