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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:12">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 2:13 <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excels folly As light excels darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom surpasses foolishness as light surpasses darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And I saw that there is an advantage in wisdom over simpleminded folly as light has an advantage over darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then I saw that [even secular] wisdom [that brings sorrow] is better than [the pleasures of] folly <i>and</i> self-indulgence as light excels darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And I discovered that wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But I saw that wisdom has an advantage over foolishness as light has an advantage over darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Oh, I know, "Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I concluded that wisdom is more useful than foolishness, just as light is more useful than darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I realized that wisdom is preferable to folly, just as light is preferable to darkness: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I saw there is profit to wisdom more than to folly, as the excellence of the light above darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I saw that wisdom excelled folly, as much as light differeth from darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I saw that wisdom surpasses foolishness, so much so that they differ as much as light from darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And I saw that wisdom has as much profit over folly as light has over darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, just as light excels darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I have seen that there is more profit in wisdom than foolishness, as light is greater than darkness<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I saw that wisdom excels folly, as much as light excels darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=294" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">The Wise and the Foolish</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12</span>Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished? <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">And I</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wə·rā·’î·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: še·yêš (Pro-r:: Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: la·ḥā·ḵə·māh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/3504.htm" title="3504: yiṯ·rō·wn (N-ms) -- Advantage, profit. From yathar; preeminence, gain.">exceeds</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5531.htm" title="5531: has·siḵ·lūṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Folly. Or sikluwth; from cakal; silliness.">folly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/216.htm" title="216: hā·’ō·wr (Art:: N-cs) -- A light. From 'owr; illumination or luminary.">just as light</a> <a href="/hebrew/3504.htm" title="3504: kî·ṯə·rō·wn (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- Advantage, profit. From yathar; preeminence, gain.">exceeds</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2822.htm" title="2822: ha·ḥō·šeḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- From chashak; the dark; hence darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness.">darkness:</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a></span><br />The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-5</a></span><br />In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Proverbs 10:23</a></span><br />The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a></span><br />For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5-7</a></span><br />And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-16.htm">Proverbs 21:16</a></span><br />The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a></span><br />You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Proverbs 28:26</a></span><br />He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-13.htm">Colossians 1:13</a></span><br />He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Proverbs 8:1-11</a></span><br />Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a></span><br />For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.</p><p class="hdg">i saw</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:11,12</a></b></br> Wisdom <i>is</i> good with an inheritance: and <i>by it there is</i> profit to them that see the sun… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:16</a></b></br> Then said I, Wisdom <i>is</i> better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom <i>is</i> despised, and his words are not heard.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5-7</a></b></br> Get wisdom, get understanding: forget <i>it</i> not; neither decline from the words of my mouth… </p><p class="hdg">light</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/11-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:7</a></b></br> Truly the light <i>is</i> sweet, and a pleasant <i>thing it is</i> for the eyes to behold the sun:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105,130</a></b></br> NUN. Thy word <i>is</i> a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18,19</a></b></br> But the path of the just <i>is</i> as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-29.htm">Better</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-15.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-10.htm">Excelleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Far</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Light</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm">Advantage</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-10.htm">Excelleth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm">Far</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-7.htm">Light</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly</b><br>The phrase begins with the personal observation of the author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom. This reflects the experiential nature of Ecclesiastes, where the author shares insights gained through life’s pursuits. Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>) and is considered a divine gift (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>). The comparison to folly highlights the biblical theme of the two paths: the way of wisdom and the way of foolishness (<a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a>). Wisdom is portrayed as superior because it leads to life and understanding, while folly leads to destruction and chaos (<a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm">Proverbs 1:32-33</a>).<p><b>just as light exceeds darkness</b><br>This simile draws on the universal and biblical imagery of light and darkness, where light represents truth, knowledge, and the presence of God (<a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5</a>, <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>), while darkness symbolizes ignorance, evil, and separation from God (<a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a>). The contrast between light and darkness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the transformative power of divine wisdom and truth. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the "light of the world" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>), embodying the ultimate wisdom and truth that dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance. This phrase underscores the inherent superiority and clarity that wisdom provides, much like light illuminating a dark path.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and search for meaning.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central place of worship and governance during Solomon's reign. It serves as the backdrop for much of Solomon's life and the setting for his reflections.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_and_folly.htm">Wisdom and Folly</a></b><br>These are personified concepts throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. Wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and living a life aligned with God's principles, while folly represents a life lived apart from divine guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_superiority_of_wisdom.htm">The Superiority of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is portrayed as inherently superior to folly, much like light is to darkness. This suggests that a life guided by wisdom is more fulfilling and aligned with God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_symbolism_of_light_and_darkness.htm">The Symbolism of Light and Darkness</a></b><br>Light and darkness are powerful symbols throughout Scripture. Light represents truth, knowledge, and God's presence, while darkness often symbolizes ignorance and separation from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">Practical Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to actively seek wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and living in obedience to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_nature_of_earthly_wisdom.htm">The Temporary Nature of Earthly Wisdom</a></b><br>While wisdom is superior to folly, Ecclesiastes also reminds us of the limitations of human wisdom. True wisdom is found in a relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light.htm">Living in the Light</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the light, reflecting God's truth and love in a world often characterized by darkness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/effects_of_acting_foolishly.htm">What are the consequences of acting foolishly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_wisdom_futile_in_ecclesiastes_2_15-16.htm">Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_doesn't_ecclesiastes_4_1_condemn_oppressors.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:1 speaks of oppression but offers no clear solution--why doesn't the text explicitly condemn or address the oppressors?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_eccl._7_1_value_life_biblically.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:1 says the day of death is better than the day of birth--how does this not undermine the inherent value of life found elsewhere in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) Wisdom surely has an advantage over folly, yet how full of "vanity" is that advantage. Let the wise man have done his best, soon death comes; the wise man is forgotten, and all he has gained by his labour passes, without labour, into the hands of one who may be no inheritor of his wisdom.<p><span class= "bld">Excelleth.</span>--There is profit in wisdom more than in folly. The same word "profit<span class= "ital">" </span>is used as in <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm" title="When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?">Ecclesiastes 5:11</a>. (See Note on <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm" title="What profit has a man of all his labor which he takes under the sun?">Ecclesiastes 1:3</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then</span> (<span class="accented">and</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness;</span> or, <span class="accented">there is profit</span>, <span class="accented">advantage</span> (<span class="greek">περίσσεια</span> Septuagint, <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:3</a>) <span class="accented">to wisdom over folly</span>, <span class="accented">as the advantage of light over darkness</span>. This result, at any rate, was obtained - he learned that wisdom had a certain value, that it was as much superior to folly, in its effects on men, as light is more beneficial than darkness. It is a natural metaphor to represent spiritual and intellectual development as light, and mental and moral depravity as darkness (comp. <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:5</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֔נִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרָאִ֣יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rā·’î·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁיֵּ֥שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(še·yêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> </span><span class="str2">Being, substance, existence, is</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽחָכְמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥā·ḵə·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">exceeds</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְר֛וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3504.htm">Strong's 3504: </a> </span><span class="str2">Preeminence, gain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">folly,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַסִּכְל֑וּת</span> <span class="translit">(has·siḵ·lūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5531.htm">Strong's 5531: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">just as light</span><br /><span class="heb">הָא֖וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_216.htm">Strong's 216: </a> </span><span class="str2">Illumination, luminary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">exceeds</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽיתְר֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(kî·ṯə·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3504.htm">Strong's 3504: </a> </span><span class="str2">Preeminence, gain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">darkness:</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֹֽשֶׁךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥō·šeḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> </span><span class="str2">The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>