Ecclesiastes 7:11

11 Wisdom is better when it comes with money. They both help those who are alive.

Ecclesiastes 7:11 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:11

Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance
It is good of itself. Or, "is as good as an inheritance" F14, as it may be rendered; it is a portion of itself, especially spiritual and divine wisdom. The Targum interprets it, the wisdom of the law, or the knowledge of that; but much more excellent is the wisdom of the Gospel, the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom; the knowledge of which, in an experimental way, is preferable to all earthly inheritances: but this with an inheritance is good, yea, better than without one; for wisdom, without riches, is generally overlooked and despised in men; see ( Ecclesiastes 9:16 ) ; when wealth, with wisdom, makes a man regarded; this commands respect and attention; as well as he is in a better condition to do good, if willing to share, and ready to distribute; and [by it there is] profit to them that see the sun;
mortals in this present state, who are described as such that see the sun rise and set, and enjoy the heat and light of it, receive much advantage from men who are both wise and rich: or, "and [it is] an excellency to them that see the sun"; it is an excellency to mortals and what gives them superiority to others, that they have both wisdom and riches.


FOOTNOTES:

F14 (hlxn Me) "aeque ac haereditas", Gejerus, Schmidt.

Ecclesiastes 7:11 In-Context

9 Don't become angry quickly, because getting angry is foolish.
10 Don't ask, "Why was life better in the 'good old days'?" It is not wise to ask such questions.
11 Wisdom is better when it comes with money. They both help those who are alive.
12 Wisdom is like money: they both help. But wisdom is better, because it can save whoever has it.
13 Look at what God has done: No one can straighten what he has bent.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.