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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 2:12 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?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/21_Ecc_02_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 2:12 - The Wise and the Foolish" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.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/2-11.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:11">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 2:12 <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 2:13">►</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 />Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. What more can the king&#8217s successor do than what has already been done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what <i>can</i> the man <i>do</i> that cometh after the king? <i>even</i> that which hath been already done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly; For what <i>can</i> the man <i>do</i> who succeeds the king?— <i>Only</i> what he has already done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I turned to consider wisdom, insanity, and foolishness; for what <i>will</i> the man <i>do</i> who will come after the king, <i>except</i> what has already been done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So I turned to consider wisdom, madness and folly; for what will the man do who will come after the king except what has already been done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So I turned to consider wisdom, madness and folly, for what <i>will</i> the man <i>do</i> who will come after the king <i>except</i> what has already been done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So I turned to see wisdom, madness, and simpleminded folly. What <i>will</i> the man <i>do</i> who will come after the king <i>except</i> what has already been done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So I turned to consider [secular] wisdom, madness, and folly; for what will the man do who succeeds the king? Nothing <i>except</i> what has already been done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the king’s successor be like? He will do what has already been done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the man be like who comes after the king? He will do what has already been done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been done long ago.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I asked myself, "What can the next king do that I haven't done?" Then I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and stupidity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness and folly; for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then I turned [my attention] to experience wisdom, madness, and foolishness. For instance, what can the man who replaces the king do? Only what has already been done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />After all, a king can only do what previous kings have done. So I started thinking about what it meant to be wise or reckless or foolish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Next I turned to examine wisdom, insanity, and foolishness, because what can a person do who succeeds the king except what has already been accomplished? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Next, I decided to consider wisdom, as well as foolish behavior and ideas. For what more can the king's successor do than what the king has already done? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly. For what can the man who comes after the king do? Just that which he has already done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly; for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been done long ago. <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 turned to see wisdom, and madness, and folly, but what [is] the man who comes after the king? That which [is] already—they have done it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I turned to see wisdom, and madness, and folly, but what is the man who cometh after the king? that which is already -- they have done it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I turned to see wisdom, madness, and folly: for what the man that shall come after the king? with those things they did already.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I passed further to behold wisdom, and errors and folly, (What is man, said I, that he can follow the King his maker?) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I continued on, so as to contemplate wisdom, as well as error and foolishness. “What is man,” I said, “that he would be able to follow his Maker, the King?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />What about one who succeeds a king? He can do only what has already been done. I went on to the consideration of wisdom, madness and folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what can the one do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So I looked around to behold wisdom and transgression and folly; for who is the man who can enter into judgment with the king? Especially with him who had created him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I gazed to see wisdom and vice and folly, for who is the man that shall enter after the King into judgment, and then with him who made him?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness and folly; for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Then I looked on to see wisdom, and madness, and folly: for who is the man who will follow after counsel, in all things where in he employs it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/2-12.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=283" 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><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">Then I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: ū·p̄ā·nî·ṯî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">turned</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: lir·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">to consider</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/1947.htm" title="1947: wə·hō·w·lê·lō·wṯ (Conj-w:: N-fp) -- Madness. Feminine active participle of halal; folly.">and madness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5531.htm" title="5531: wə·siḵ·lūṯ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Folly. Or sikluwth; from cakal; silliness.">and folly;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what more</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">can the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being."></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: še·yā·ḇō·w (Pro-r:: V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">successor</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">do</a> <a href="/hebrew/3528.htm" title="3528: kə·ḇār (Adv) -- Already. From kabar; properly, extent of time, i.e. A great while; hence, long ago, formerly, hitherto.">than what has already</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śū·hū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp:: 3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">been accomplished?</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:…<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/1-2.htm">Proverbs 1:2-7</a></span><br />for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, / and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity. / To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a></span><br />For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-20</a></span><br />Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Proverbs 14:8</a></span><br />The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-22</a></span><br />For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,<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="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a></span><br />See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.<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="/matthew/11-19.htm">Matthew 11:19</a></span><br />The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”<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="/luke/7-35.htm">Luke 7:35</a></span><br />But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Proverbs 15:21</a></span><br />Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done.</p><p class="hdg">i turned</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:17</a></b></br> And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25</a></b></br> I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason <i>of things</i>, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness <i>and</i> madness:</p><p class="hdg">even that which hath already been done</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:25</a></b></br> For who can eat, or who else can hasten <i>hereunto</i>, more than I?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-10.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-10.htm">Already</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-14.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Except</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-3.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-28.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Madness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Search</a> <a href="/job/18-19.htm">Successor</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-8.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-8.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-9.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ago</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Already</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Except</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Madness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm">Search</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Successor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.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>Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly;</b><br>In this phrase, the speaker, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on his pursuit of understanding life's meaning. The terms "wisdom," "madness," and "folly" represent different approaches to life. Wisdom, often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>), is contrasted with madness and folly, which denote irrational and foolish behavior. This triad suggests a comprehensive examination of human experience. Solomon's exploration is reminiscent of his request for wisdom from God (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>), highlighting the biblical theme of seeking divine insight over human understanding.<p><b>for what more can the king’s successor do</b><br>This phrase acknowledges the limitations of human achievement and legacy. The "king's successor" refers to those who come after Solomon, suggesting that future rulers will face the same existential questions. Historically, Solomon's reign was marked by unprecedented wealth and wisdom (<a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23-24</a>), setting a high standard for successors. This reflects the biblical theme of the fleeting nature of human accomplishments, as seen in <a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Psalm 49:10</a>, where the wise and foolish alike leave their wealth to others.<p><b>than what has already been accomplished?</b><br>Here, the text emphasizes the futility of striving for new achievements when so much has already been done. This echoes the theme of vanity found throughout Ecclesiastes, where human efforts are often seen as repetitive and ultimately unsatisfying (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:9</a>). The phrase suggests a cyclical view of history, where each generation repeats the actions of the previous one. This can be connected to the broader biblical narrative of human striving apart from God, as seen in the Tower of Babel (<a href="/genesis/11.htm">Genesis 11:1-9</a>), where human efforts to reach the heavens without divine guidance result in confusion and dispersion.<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 extensive building projects. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>In the context of Ecclesiastes, wisdom refers to the practical and philosophical understanding of life, often associated with the fear of the Lord and living according to His commandments.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/madness_and_folly.htm">Madness and Folly</a></b><br>These terms are used to describe the opposite of wisdom. Madness can imply irrational behavior or thinking, while folly refers to foolishness or lack of good sense.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/k/king's_successor.htm">King’s Successor</a></b><br>This refers to anyone who comes after Solomon, highlighting the cyclical nature of human endeavors and the limitations of human achievement.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/accomplishments.htm">Accomplishments</a></b><br>The verse reflects on the achievements of a king, suggesting that future generations may not surpass what has already been done, emphasizing the repetitive nature of human history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_wisdom.htm">The Limitations of Human Wisdom</a></b><br>Human wisdom, while valuable, has its limits. Solomon's reflection reminds us that no matter how wise we become, our understanding is still finite compared to God's infinite wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_earthly_achievements.htm">The Futility of Earthly Achievements</a></b><br>Earthly accomplishments, no matter how grand, are ultimately temporary. This should encourage us to focus on eternal values and God's kingdom rather than solely on worldly success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_repetitive_nature_of_life.htm">The Repetitive Nature of Life</a></b><br>Life's cyclical nature can lead to a sense of futility. However, recognizing this can drive us to seek purpose and meaning beyond the temporal, in our relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. As believers, we are called to pursue wisdom that aligns with God's will and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_influence.htm">Legacy and Influence</a></b><br>Consider what kind of legacy we are leaving. Are we investing in things that have eternal significance, or are we caught up in the temporary pursuits of this world?<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/who_is_qoheleth_in_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes?</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/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>(12) This verse presents some difficulties of translation which need not be discussed here. The Authorised Version gives the following very good sense: If the king has failed in his experiment, what likelihood is there that a private person should be more successful? Yet bearing in mind that in <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm" title="Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he takes under the sun all the days of his life, which God gives him: for it is his portion.">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a> the "man that cometh after the king" means his successor, and also that the theme of the whole section is that in human affairs there is no progress, it is more simple to understand this verse: the king's successor can do no more than run the same round that has been trodden by his predecessor.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 12-26.</span> - Section 3. <span class="accented">Vanity of wisdom</span>, <span class="accented">in view of the fate that awaits the wise man equally with the fool</span>, <span class="accented">and the uncertainty of the future of his labors</span>, <span class="accented">especially as man is not master of his own fate</span>. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly</span> (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:17</a>). He studied the three in their mutual connection and relation, comparing them in their results and effects on man's nature and life, and deducing thence their real value. On one side he set wisdom, on the other the action, and habits which he rightly terms "madness and folly," and examined them calmly and critically. <span class="cmt_word">For what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done</span>. Both the Authorized Version and Revised Version render the passage thus, though the latter, in the margin, gives two alternative renderings of the second clause, viz. <span class="accented">even him whom they made king long ago</span>, and, as in the Authorized Version margin, in <span class="accented">those things which have been already done</span>. The LXX., following a different reading, gives, "For what man is there who will follow after counsel in whatsoever things he employed it?" Vulgate, "What is man, said I, that he should be able to follow the King, his Maker?" Wright, Delitzsch, Nowack, etc., "For what is the man that is to come after the king whom they made so long ago?" <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. who can have greater experience than Solomon made king in old time amid universal acclamation (<a href="/1_chronicles/29-22.htm">1 Chronicles 29:22</a>)? or, who can hope to equal his fame? - which does not seem quite suitable, as it is the abnormal opportunities of investigation given by his unique position which would be the point of the query. The Authorized Version gives a fairly satisfactory (and grammatically unobjectionable) meaning - What can any one effect who tries the same experiment as the king did? He could not do so under more favorable conditions, and will only repeat the same process and reach the same result. But the passage is obscure, and every interpretation has its own difficulty. If the <span class="accented">ki</span> with which the second portion of the passage begins ("for what," etc.) assigns the reason or motive of the first portion, shows what was the design of Koheleth in contrasting wisdom and folly, the rendering of the Authorized Version is not inappropriate. Many critics consider that Solomon is here speaking of his successor, asking what kind of man he will be who comes after him - the man whom some have already chosen? And certainly there is some ground for this interpretation in vers. 18, 19, where the complaint is that all the king's greatness and glory will be left to an unworthy successor. But this view requires the Solomonic authorship of the book, and makes him to refer to Rehoboam or some illegitimate usurper. The wording of the text is too general to admit of this explanation; nor does it exactly suit the immediate context, or duly connect the two clauses of the verse. It seems best to take the successor, not as one who comes to the kingdom, but as one who pursues similar investigations, repeats Koheleth's experiments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/2-12.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">Then I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·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">turned</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפָנִ֤יתִֽי</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄ā·nî·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_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, to face, appear, look</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to consider</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְא֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lir·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāḵ·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">and madness</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהוֹלֵל֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·lê·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1947.htm">Strong's 1947: </a> </span><span class="str2">Madness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and folly;</span><br /><span class="heb">וְסִכְל֑וּת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·siḵ·lūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what [more]</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(meh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can the king’s</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">successor</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁיָּבוֹא֙</span> <span class="translit">(še·yā·ḇō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than what has already</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּבָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3528.htm">Strong's 3528: </a> </span><span class="str2">Extent of time, a great while, long ago, formerly, hitherto</span><br /><br /><span class="word">been accomplished?</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשֽׂוּהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śū·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:12 I turned myself to consider wisdom madness (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 2:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 2:13" /></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>