Ecclesiastes 7:19

19 (7-20) Wisdom hath strengthened the wise more than ten princes of 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 (7-18) Be not overmuch wicked: and be not foolish, lest thou die before thy time.
18 (7-19) It is good that thou shouldst hold up the just, yea and from him withdraw not thy hand: for he that feareth God, neglecteth nothing.
19 (7-20) Wisdom hath strengthened the wise more than ten princes of the city.
20 (7-21) For there is no just man upon earth, that doth good, and sinneth not.
21 (7-22) But do not apply thy heart to all words that are spoken: lest perhaps thou hear thy servant reviling thee.
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