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Ecclesiastes 7:12

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Ecclesiastes 7:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Ecclesiastes 7:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Ecclesiastes 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
10Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
11Wisdom is as good as an inheritance; yea, more excellent is it for them that see the sun.
12For 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.
13Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
14In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yea, God hath made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything [that shall be] after him.
15All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth [his life] in his evil-doing.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence, etc.] 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 able to defend himself against the injuries and oppressions of others, and especially when both meet in one and the same man. Jarchi renders and interprets it, “he that is in the shadow of wisdom is in the shadow of money, for wisdom is the cause why riches come;” and so the Targum, “as a man is hid in the shadow of wisdom, so he is hid in the shadow of money, when he does alms with it;” compare with this (<421609>Luke 16:9); (see <210719>Ecclesiastes 7:19 Ecclesiastes 9:16 <201811>Proverbs…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Literally, (To be) in (that is, under) the shadow (Isa 30:2) of wisdom (is the same as to be) in (under) the shadow of money; wisdom no less shields one from the ills of life than money does. is, that--rather, "the excellency of the knowledge of wisdom giveth life," that is, life in the highest sense, here and hereafter (Pro 3:18; Joh 17:3; Pe2 1:3). Wisdom (religion) cannot be lost as money can. It shields one in adversity, as well as prosperity; money, only in prosperity. The question in Ecc 7:10 implies a want of it.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. Giveth life to - literally, “Causes to live,” “makes alive” Proverbs 3:18; the deeper meaning of which is elicited by comparing these words with John 6:63; Matthew 4:4. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Life - But herein knowledge of wisdom excels riches, that whereas riches frequently expose men to destruction, true wisdom doth often preserve a man from temporal, and always from eternal ruin. Ecclesiastes 7:13”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“wisdom: Job 1:10, Job 22:21-25; Pro 2:7, Pro 2:11, Pro 14:20, Pro 18:10, Pro 18:11; Isa 33:6 a defence: Heb. a shadow, Jdg 9:15; Psa 57:1; Isa 30:2, Isa 32:2 the excellency: Deu 30:19, Deu 30:20, Deu 32:47; Pro 3:18, Pro 8:35, Pro 9:11, Pro 11:4; Joh 12:50, Joh 17:3; Phi 3:8 Ecclesiastes 7:13”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification