King James Version
What Does Ecclesiastes 7:11 Mean?
“Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. good: or, as good as an inheritance, yea, better too”
Context
9
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
10
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. wisely: Heb. out of wisdom
11
Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. good: or, as good as an inheritance, yea, better too
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. defence: Heb. shadow
13
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(11) **With.**—This is the ordinary meaning of the word, and accordingly is the rendering of the older translators, but the marginal “as good as,” or “equally with,” agrees so much better with the context, that the only question is whether the word will bear that meaning. And though in some places where it is translated “like,” the rendering “with” may be substituted, yet the passages in Ecclesiastes 2:16, “no resemblance to the wise equally with the foolish,” Job 9:26, “my days have passed like the swift ships,” seem to be decisive that it will.
**Profit.**—In defence of the marginal “yea, better,” may be pleaded that the word is translated as an adverb (Esther 6:6; and in this book (Ecclesiastes 2:16; Ecclesiastes 6:8; Ecclesiastes 6:11; Ecclesiastes 7:16; Ecclesiastes 12:9; Ecclesiastes 12:12).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ecclesiastes. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ecclesiastes 7:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ecclesiastes 7:11
Ecclesiastes 11:7
→1 Timothy 6:17-19
→Ecclesiastes 2:13
→Proverbs 8:10-11
→1 Kings 3:6-9
→Ecclesiastes 9:15-18
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge