Ecclesiastes 7:19

19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men who are in the city.

Ecclesiastes 7:19 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise
Against such extremes as before mentioned; it is a guard about him, as well as a guide unto him; it is a defence unto him, as before observed, ( Ecclesiastes 7:12 ) ; and is better than strength of body, or weapons of war, ( Ecclesiastes 9:16 Ecclesiastes 9:18 ) ; and a wise man does greater things by it than a strong man with them, and is safer with it than he can be by them. Some understand this of Christ, the Wisdom of God, without whom a good man can do nothing, but all things through him strengthening him; and who being a strong tower and place of refuge to him, he is safer in him than if he was in the strongest garrison, and under the protection of ever so large a number of valiant men: Christ, and grace from him, strengthen more than ten mighty [men] which are in the city;
that is, than many mighty men, or men of war, which guard a city; the city of Jerusalem, or any other. The Targum applies this to Joseph, and paraphrases it,

``the wisdom of Joseph the son of Jacob helped him to make him wiser than all his ten righteous brethren.''

Ecclesiastes 7:19 In-Context

17 Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish. Why shouldest thou die before thy time?
18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from the other withdraw not thine hand. For he that feareth God shall come forth from them all.
19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men who are in the city.
20 For there is not a just man upon earth who doeth good and sinneth not.
21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.