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Ecclesiastes 12:9

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And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs.

And moreover {H3148}, because the preacher {H6953} was wise {H2450}, he still taught {H3925} the people {H5971} knowledge {H1847}; yea, he gave good heed {H239}, and sought out {H2713}, and set in order {H8626} many {H7235} proverbs {H4912}.

Not only was Kohelet wise, he also taught the people what he knew; also he weighed, researched and corrected many ethical sayings.

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.

And further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he pondered, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 12:9 provides a powerful reflection on the character and method of the author, often referred to as "the Preacher" (KJV). This verse highlights his wisdom, diligence, and commitment to imparting truth.

Context

This verse comes near the end of the Book of Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher is concluding his extensive philosophical and theological exploration of life "under the sun." Having examined various pursuits—wisdom, pleasure, labor, wealth—and often found them to be "vanity" (or futility), he now shifts to reflect on his own role as a teacher and the nature of the wisdom he has compiled. Chapter 12 serves as a summary and a final exhortation, leading to the ultimate conclusion in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

Key Themes

  • The Preacher's Wisdom and Authority: The verse begins by affirming the Preacher's inherent wisdom ("because the preacher was wise"). This wisdom wasn't just for personal gain but was foundational to his ministry of teaching.
  • Diligent Impartation of Knowledge: He "still taught the people knowledge," indicating a consistent and persistent effort to share insights. This wasn't a one-time event but an ongoing commitment to education.
  • Methodical Pursuit of Truth: The phrase "he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs" reveals a rigorous, scholarly approach. It wasn't haphazard; he carefully attended to, investigated, and organized his findings into accessible wisdom literature. This speaks to the intentionality behind the collection of wisdom that forms much of the Old Testament's sapiential tradition.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Preacher" is Koheleth (קֹהֶלֶת), which literally means "one who assembles" or "one who gathers," referring either to one who gathers an assembly to speak to them or one who gathers wisdom. This term perfectly encapsulates the role described in verse 9: a gatherer and dispenser of wisdom. The meticulous effort described—"sought out, and set in order"—emphasizes the careful process of research and literary arrangement that characterized the creation of these profound sayings.

Related Scriptures

The Preacher's commitment to wisdom echoes many themes in the biblical wisdom literature. His foundational understanding aligns with the principle found in Proverbs 1:7, which states that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Furthermore, the emphasis on diligence in acquiring and dispensing wisdom is a recurring motif, reminding us that wisdom is the principal thing, and therefore one should get wisdom above all else.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 12:9 offers several timeless lessons:

  1. Value of Wisdom: It underscores the enduring importance of wisdom, not just as abstract knowledge but as practical insight to navigate life.
  2. Responsibility to Teach: Those who possess knowledge and wisdom have a responsibility to share it diligently and clearly with others, especially with the next generation.
  3. Diligence in Learning and Organizing: The Preacher's example encourages us to approach the pursuit of truth with careful attention, thorough investigation, and orderly presentation, whether in personal study, teaching, or writing. This methodical approach ensures that knowledge is not only acquired but also effectively communicated and preserved.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 4:32 (3 votes)

    And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.

  • Proverbs 1:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

  • Proverbs 25:1 (1 votes)

    ¶ These [are] also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

  • 1 Kings 10:8 (1 votes)

    Happy [are] thy men, happy [are] these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, [and] that hear thy wisdom.

  • Proverbs 10:1 (1 votes)

    ¶ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son [is] the heaviness of his mother.

  • 1 Kings 8:12 (1 votes)

    ¶ Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

  • 1 Kings 8:21 (1 votes)

    And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein [is] the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.