Ecclesiastes 7:12
Ecclesiastes 7:12 in Multiple Translations
For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.
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.
For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it.
Wisdom keeps a man from danger even as money does; but the value of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to its owner.
For wisdom provides security, as does money, but the advantage for those who have wisdom is that they are kept safe and sound!
Say not thou, Why is it that the former dayes were better then these? for thou doest not enquire wisely of this thing.
For wisdom [is] a defense, money [is] a defence, And the advantage of the knowledge of wisdom [is], She reviveth her possessors.
For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellence of knowledge is , that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Wisdom with riches is more profitable, and bringeth more advantage to them that see the sun.
We are sometimes protected by being wise like we are sometimes protected by having a lot of money, but being wise is better than having a lot of money, because being wise prevents us from doing foolish things that would cause us to die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 7:12
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 7:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֛י
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
בְּ/צֵ֣ל
הַ/כָּ֑סֶף
וְ/יִתְר֣וֹן
דַּ֔עַת
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
תְּחַיֶּ֥ה
בְעָלֶֽי/הָ
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Prep | N-ms
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Art | N-fs
בְּ/צֵ֣ל
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Prep | N-ms
הַ/כָּ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Art | N-ms
וְ/יִתְר֣וֹן
yithrôwn
H3504
advantage
Conj | N-ms
דַּ֔עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Art | N-fs
תְּחַיֶּ֥ה
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
בְעָלֶֽי/הָ
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp | Suff
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 7:12
כִּ֛י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Prep | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Art | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
בְּ/צֵ֣ל
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Prep | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
הַ/כָּ֑סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Art | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וְ/יִתְר֣וֹן
yithrôwn
H3504
"advantage"
Conj | N-ms
This word means advantage or gain, describing something that is profitable or excellent. It is used to describe preeminence and superiority. In the Bible, it is used to describe the benefits of following God's ways.
Definition: advantage, profit, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: better, excellency(-leth), profit(-able). See also: Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 5:8; Ecclesiastes 10:11.
דַּ֔עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
הַֽ/חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Art | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
תְּחַיֶּ֥ה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
בְעָלֶֽי/הָ
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp | Suff
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 7:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 7:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:12
Context — The Value of Wisdom
10Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.
11Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun.
12For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.
13Consider the work of God: Who can straighten what He has bent? 14In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider this: God has made one of these along with the other, so that a man cannot discover anything that will come after him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:35 | For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 2:7 | He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, |
| 3 | Proverbs 3:18 | She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
| 4 | John 12:50 | And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” |
| 5 | Judges 9:15 | But the thornbush replied, ‘If you really are anointing me as king over you, come and find refuge in my shade. But if not, may fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’ |
| 6 | John 17:3 | Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. |
| 7 | Proverbs 11:4 | Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death. |
| 8 | Proverbs 18:10–11 | The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination. |
| 9 | Proverbs 9:11 | For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. |
| 10 | Psalms 57:1 | Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. |
Ecclesiastes 7:12 Summary
This verse teaches us that wisdom is very valuable because it helps keep us safe and guides us in making good choices, much like how money can provide for our needs. Just as we work to earn and save money, we should also seek to gain wisdom and knowledge, as they can protect us from harm and help us live a righteous life, as seen in Proverbs 2:10-12. By prioritizing wisdom and knowledge, we can navigate life's challenges with more confidence and make decisions that please God, as mentioned in Romans 12:2. As we seek wisdom, we can trust that it will bring us lasting benefits and joy, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that wisdom is a shelter like money?
This means that just as money can provide a sense of security and protection, wisdom can also protect us from harm and guide us in making good decisions, as seen in Proverbs 24:3-4 where wisdom is compared to building a house.
How does wisdom preserve the life of its owner?
Wisdom preserves life by helping us navigate the complexities and dangers of life, as stated in Proverbs 10:27, and by guiding us towards righteous living, as mentioned in Psalms 119:165.
Is this verse saying that money and wisdom are equally valuable?
While money can provide temporary comfort and security, wisdom is of greater and lasting value, as emphasized in Matthew 6:19-20, where Jesus teaches about the importance of storing up treasures in heaven.
What role does knowledge play in relation to wisdom?
Knowledge is a key component of wisdom, as it provides the understanding and insight necessary to make wise decisions, as illustrated in Proverbs 1:7 where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I seek wisdom and knowledge in my own life, and how can I apply them to my daily decisions?
- How has wisdom protected me in the past, and what are some areas where I need to seek more wisdom now?
- What are some ways that I can use my knowledge and understanding to glorify God and serve others, as mentioned in Colossians 3:17?
- In what ways can I prioritize wisdom and knowledge in my life, making them more valuable to me than material wealth or possessions, as taught in 1 Timothy 6:6-10?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence,.... Or, a "shadow" of refreshment and protection, under which men sit with pleasure and safety; a man by his wisdom, and so by his money, is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:12
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
Is a defence, Heb. is a shadow; which in Scripture use notes both protection and refreshment. And thus far wisdom and money agree. But herein knowledge or wisdom (which commonly signifies the same thing) excels riches, that whereas riches frequently expose men to death or destruction, true wisdom doth ofttimes preserve a man from temporal, and always from eternal ruin.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
Ecclesiastes 7:12 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.Ver. 12. For wisdom is a defence, and money, &c.] Heb., A shadow; viz., to those that have seen the sun (as in the former verse), and are scorched with the heat of it - that are under the miseries and molestations of life. Wisdom in this case is a wall of defenee and a well of life. Money also is a thorn hedge, of very good use, so it be set without the affections, and get not into the heart, as the Pharisees’ ενοντα did. Their riches were got within them, and, by choking the seed, kept wisdom out. Wisdom giveth life to them that have it.] For "God is both a sun and a shield," or shadow. "He will give grace and glory." Life in any sense is a sweet mercy, but the life of "grace and of glory" may well challenge the precellency. No marvel, therefore, though wisdom bear away the bell from wealth, which, as it serves only to the uses of life natural, so, being misused, it "drowns many a soul in perdition and destruction," and proves "the root of all evil"; yea, it taketh away the life of the owner thereof. It is confessed that wealth sometimes giveth life to them that have it, as it did to those ten Jews that had treasures in the field, and doth to those condemned men that can take a lease of their lives. But Nabal’ s wealth had undone him, if Abigail’ s wisdom had not interposed.
And in the other life money bears no mastery. Adam had it not in paradise, and in heaven there is no need of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
(12) A defence.—Literally, a shadow (Psalms 91:1; Psalms 121:5, &c). This verse harmonises with the interpretation of the preceding verse, which we prefer. “Wisdom and riches alike confer protection, but the pre-eminence of wisdom is,” &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
Verse 12. Wisdom is a defence] To whom Solomon answers: All true wisdom is most undoubtedly a great advantage to men in all circumstances; and money is also of great use: but it cannot be compared to wisdom. Knowledge of Divine and human things is a great blessing. Money is the means of supporting our animal life: but wisdom - the religion of the true God - gives life to them that have it. Money cannot procure the favour of God, nor give life to the soul.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:12
12. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence] Better, as a shadow, or, as a shelter, in both clauses. The Hebrew, as the italics shew, has no “and.” “Shadow” as in Psalms 17:8; Psalms 91:1, stands for shelter and protection. This, the writer says, not without a touch of his wonted irony in coupling the two things together, to those who looked to wealth as their only means of safety (Proverbs 13:8), is found not less effectually in wisdom. but the excellency of knowledge] Better, the profit, thus keeping up what we may call the catch-word of the book. Wisdom, the Debater says, does more than give shelter, as money, in its way, does. It quickens those who have it to a new and higher life. The use of the word ζωοποιήσει (“shall quicken”), by the LXX. connects the maxim with the higher teaching of Joh 5:21; John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6. The Spirit which alone gives the wisdom that “cometh from above” does the work which is here ascribed to wisdom as an abstract quality. It is clearly out of harmony with the whole train of thought to see in the “life” which wisdom gives only that of the body which is preserved by the prudence that avoids dangers. It is as much beside the point to interpret it of the “life” of the resurrection.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:12
Wisdom is a defense ... - See the margin and Psalms 121:5, i. e., He who is defended from adversity by his wisdom is in as good a position as he who is defended by his riches. Excellency - literally, Profit.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:12
12. Wisdom… and money… defence — This is a forcible way of saying, “Wisdom is a defence of one kind and money a defence of quite another.” Both united make a strong and safe shelter, but, of the two,
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Read or Get Out of the Ministry by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning for ministers, drawing on wisdom from figures like Joseph H. Smith and John Wesley, who advocated for reading widely to e |
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He That Handleth a Matter Wisely Shall Find Good by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that wisdom is essential for navigating life effectively, as it allows individuals to achieve their true potential and find genuine fulfillment. He compare |
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Wisdom Justified of Her Children by Charles Finney | Charles Finney explores the concept of wisdom as it relates to the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, emphasizing that true wisdom is recognized and justified by those |
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Spirit-Filled Salutations by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the power of greetings filled with the Holy Spirit, drawing from the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth before the birth of Jesus. It highlights the import |
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The Son and Life, and Word and Wisdom by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the profound truth that eternal life is found in believing in the Son, a truth revealed by the Holy Spirit and declared in the Word of God. This eternal life, |
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The Word and Life by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the eternal life found in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who came into the world full of grace and truth. His glory was distinguished by the grace and |
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Words of Spirit and Life by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the profound impact of Jesus' words as spirit and life, emphasizing the necessity of His death for eternal life. Despite the miracles, many sought Jesus for p |