Ecclesiastes 2:13

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

Then I saw {H7200} that {H3426} wisdom {H2451} excelleth {H3504} folly {H5531}, as far as light {H216} excelleth {H3504} darkness {H2822}.

I saw that wisdom is more useful than foolishness, just as light is more useful than darkness.

And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:13

In Ecclesiastes 2:13, the Preacher (also known as Qoheleth), having thoroughly explored the pursuits of pleasure, wealth, and great works "under the sun," presents a profound observation regarding the inherent value of wisdom: "Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness." This verse marks a pivot, acknowledging that while much of life may feel like vanity, some things are undeniably superior to others.

Context

This verse comes after the Preacher's extensive personal experiment in chapter 2, where he indulged in every conceivable earthly delight and ambition – building, planting, acquiring servants, silver, gold, and musical entertainment. Despite achieving all he desired, he concluded it was all "vanity and vexation of spirit" (Ecclesiastes 2:11). However, amidst this disillusionment, he pauses to consider the practical benefits of wisdom. Even if wisdom doesn't solve the ultimate problem of death, it still offers a significant advantage in navigating life compared to the alternative.

Key Themes

  • The Superiority of Wisdom: The verse unequivocally states that wisdom is better than folly. It's a fundamental truth the Preacher recognizes, contrasting sharply with his earlier declarations of universal vanity. Wisdom provides clarity, discernment, and practical advantage in daily living.
  • Light vs. Darkness Metaphor: This powerful and ancient metaphor perfectly illustrates the vast difference. Light enables sight, understanding, and safe passage, revealing truth and guiding steps. Darkness, conversely, represents ignorance, confusion, danger, and moral blindness. Just as light dispels darkness, wisdom dispels folly, offering a clearer path and better outcomes. This imagery echoes themes found throughout Scripture, such as light shining in darkness in John 1:5.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is chokmah (חָכְמָה), which encompasses not just intellectual knowledge but also practical skill, good judgment, and moral discernment. "Folly," siklût (סִכְלוּת), refers to a lack of sound judgment, foolish behavior, and moral stupidity. The comparison to "light" (אֹור, 'or) and "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshek) is stark and universal, highlighting the intuitive understanding that one is inherently beneficial and the other detrimental.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:13, even within its melancholic context, offers a timeless principle: pursuing wisdom is always preferable to embracing folly. While earthly pursuits may not bring ultimate satisfaction, wisdom equips us to make better decisions, understand consequences, and navigate the complexities of life with greater clarity and purpose. It leads to a more ordered and productive existence, contrasting with the chaos and negative outcomes often associated with foolish choices. This pursuit aligns with the broader biblical exhortation to seek wisdom, as seen prominently in the Book of Proverbs, where wisdom is often personified as a guide to life (see Proverbs 4:7).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 5:8

    For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

  • Ecclesiastes 11:7

    ¶ Truly the light [is] sweet, and a pleasant [thing it is] for the eyes to behold the sun:

  • Ecclesiastes 7:11

    ¶ Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance: and [by it there is] profit to them that see the sun.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:12

    For wisdom [is] a defence, [and] money [is] a defence: but the excellency of knowledge [is, that] wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

  • Matthew 6:23

    But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness!

  • Luke 11:34

    The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when [thine eye] is evil, thy body also [is] full of darkness.

  • Luke 11:35

    Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

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