Ecclesiastes 2:13

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

And I saw that there is profit to wisdom above folly, like the profit of the light over the darkness.

Latin

Et vidi quod tantum præcederet sapientia stultitiam, quantum differt lux a tenebris.

Original

Hebrew

English

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

Notes

Ecclesiastes 2:13–14

wisdom exceeds folly: Wisdom is useful because it helps navigate life successfully. However, it cannot prevent death or give life meaning (Ecclesiastes 2:15–16).

Ecclesiastes 2:12–23

The Teacher now examines the value of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 2:12–17) and hard work (2:18–23). These, too, are futile (Ecclesiastes 2:17).

Ecclesiastes 1:12–2:26

The Teacher examines how wisdom, work, and pleasure relate to each other.

Theme notes and profiles

Wisdom

Related verses

Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
Ecclesiastes 7:11–12
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun.
Matthew 6:23
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Ecclesiastes 11:7
Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
Luke 11:34–35
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body is full of darkness.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Malachi 3:18–4:2
So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
Ecclesiastes 9:18
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
Proverbs 4:18–19
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
Proverbs 4:5–7
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes Futility

Topics

Light: Figurative and Symbolical Light: Useful and Precious Pleasure: Worldly Wisdom: Worldly

Ecclesiastes 2:13

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Original?

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Glossary?

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