Wisdom, like an inheritance, is goodIn the ancient Near Eastern context, an inheritance was a significant source of security and stability, often passed down through generations. Wisdom is compared to an inheritance, suggesting its enduring value and the stability it provides.
Proverbs 3:13-14 also highlights the value of wisdom, likening it to precious jewels. Wisdom, in this sense, is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical understanding of life that aligns with God's principles. It is a divine gift that guides moral and ethical decisions, much like an inheritance provides material support.
and it benefits those who see the sun
The phrase "those who see the sun" refers to the living, emphasizing that wisdom is advantageous in the earthly life. This expression is a poetic way of describing human existence under the sun, a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes that underscores the temporal nature of life. Wisdom benefits the living by offering guidance and insight into navigating life's complexities. In a broader biblical context,James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously. This wisdom is not only practical for daily living but also prepares individuals for eternal life, reflecting the dual benefit of wisdom for both the present and the future.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings.
2.
IsraelThe nation where Solomon reigned as king, providing the cultural and historical context for Ecclesiastes.
3.
The Preacher (Qoheleth)The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.
4.
The SunA metaphorical reference to life on earth, representing those who are alive and experiencing the world.
5.
InheritanceA tangible asset passed down from one generation to another, used here as a metaphor for the value of wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Value of WisdomWisdom is portrayed as a valuable inheritance, suggesting it is both a gift and a responsibility. Just as an inheritance can provide security and opportunity, wisdom offers guidance and insight for life.
Wisdom and LifeThe phrase "those who see the sun" implies that wisdom is beneficial for the living. It equips us to navigate life's challenges and make decisions that honor God.
Pursuing Godly WisdomTrue wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (
Proverbs 9:10). Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom as a LegacyJust as an inheritance is passed down, believers are called to impart wisdom to the next generation, teaching them to value and apply God's truth in their lives.
Balancing Material and Spiritual WealthWhile material inheritance is temporary, spiritual wisdom has eternal value. Christians are encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth and understanding over earthly possessions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:11?
2.How does wisdom serve as an inheritance according to Ecclesiastes 7:11?
3.What role does wisdom play in providing protection and guidance in life?
4.How can we apply the value of wisdom in our daily decision-making?
5.How does Ecclesiastes 7:11 connect with Proverbs 4:7 on the importance of wisdom?
6.In what ways can wisdom enhance our spiritual and material blessings today?
7.What does Ecclesiastes 7:11 mean by "wisdom is as good as an inheritance"?
8.How does Ecclesiastes 7:11 relate to the value of wisdom over material wealth?
9.Why is wisdom compared to an inheritance in Ecclesiastes 7:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 7?
11.Does the author's emphasis on the limitation of human understanding in Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 conflict with other biblical texts that claim revelations of divine mysteries?
12.Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?
13.Ecclesiastes 9:7 emphasizes enjoyment of life; does this contradict New Testament calls for self-denial and sacrifice?
14.What gain is there in chasing after the wind?What Does Ecclesiastes 7:11 Mean
Wisdom- The Teacher opens with the single word “Wisdom,” reminding us that true skill for living starts not in ourselves but in fearing God (Proverbs 9:10;Job 28:28).
- Solomon has already admitted that many earthly pursuits end in “vanity,” yet he consistently lifts up wisdom as priceless (Ecclesiastes 2:13).
- Because God’s Word is flawless, we receive this assessment at face value: wisdom is God-given insight that anchors life when everything else feels fleeting.
Like an inheritance- In ancient Israel an inheritance was tangible—land, livestock, silver. It carried security, identity, and continuity for future generations (Proverbs 13:22).
- By pairing wisdom with inheritance, Solomon puts wisdom in the same category of durable, transferrable wealth.
- Peter later speaks of an “inheritance that is imperishable…reserved in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4); wisdom mirrors that endurance because it comes from the same generous God.
Is good- The simple verdict “is good” declares objective value. It is not merely preferable; it is morally and practically beneficial.
-James 3:17 affirms that “the wisdom from above is first of all pure…full of mercy and good fruit,” underscoring its wholesome character.
- Finding wisdom is tantamount to finding life itself (Proverbs 8:35), so Scripture leaves no doubt about its goodness.
And it benefits- Wisdom is not ornamental; it works. The very next verse says, “For wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner” (Ecclesiastes 7:12).
- Practical payoffs include:
• Guidance that keeps us from destructive paths (Psalm 19:7-11).
• Peaceable relationships, because wisdom is “gentle” and “accommodating” (James 3:17).
• Resilience in adversity, offering the same protection that wealth promises, yet without wealth’s instability.
Those who see the sun- This Hebrew idiom simply means “the living,” everyone under the daylight of God’s created order (Ecclesiastes 11:7).
- Wisdom’s reach, then, is universal; it is not an elite possession but a gift available to every person while they have breath (Proverbs 1:20-23).
- Since life under the sun is often perplexing, the universality of wisdom is a gracious provision for navigating seasons of joy and hardship alike (Ecclesiastes 3:1-14).
summaryEcclesiastes 7:11 teaches that wisdom is a lasting, tangible asset, every bit as valuable as a monetary inheritance. It is intrinsically good, actively beneficial, and universally offered to all the living. Because Scripture is true and unchanging, we can confidently pursue and pass on this priceless treasure, trusting God to make it a shelter and blessing throughout every generation.
(11)
With.--This is the ordinary meaning of the word, and accordingly is the rendering of the older translators, but the marginal "as good as," or "equally with," agrees so much better with the context, that the only question is whether the word will bear that meaning. And though in some places where it is translated "like," the rendering "with" may be substituted, yet the passages in
Ecclesiastes 2:16, "no resemblance to the wise equally with the foolish,"
Job 9:26, "my days have passed like the swift ships," seem to be decisive that it will.
Profit.--In defence of the marginal "yea, better," may be pleaded that the word is translated as an adverb (Esther 6:6; and in this book (Ecclesiastes 2:16;Ecclesiastes 6:8;Ecclesiastes 6:11;Ecclesiastes 7:16;Ecclesiastes 12:9;Ecclesiastes 12:12). . . .
Verse 11. - Such hasty judgment is incompatible with true wisdom and sagacity.
Wisdom is good with an inheritance; Septuagint,
Ἀγαθὴ σοφία μετὰ κληρονομίας. Vulgate,
Utilior eat sapientia cam divitiis. The sentence thus rendered seems to mean that wealth lends a prestige to wisdom, that the man is happy who possesses both. The inheritance spoken of is an hereditary one; the man who is "rich with ancestral wealth" is enabled to employ his wisdom to good purpose, his position adding weight to his words and actions, and relieving him from the low pursuit of money-making. To this effect Wright quotes Menander -
Μακάριος ὅστις οὐσίαν καὶ νοῦν ἕχει
Ξρῆται γὰρ οῦτος εἰς α} δεῖ ταύτῃ καλῶς.
"Blest is the man who wealth and wisdom hath,
For he can use his riches as he ought." (Comp.Proverbs 14:24.) Many commentators, thinking such a sentiment alien front the context, render the particleעִם not "with," but "as" Wisdom is [as] good as an inheritance" (see on Ecclesiastes 2:16). This is putting wisdom on rather a low platform, and one would have expected to read some such aphorism as "Wisdom is better than rubies" (Proverbs 8:11), if Koheleth had intended to make any such comparison. It appears then most expedient to takeim in the sense of "moreover," "as well as," "and" (camp.1 Samuel 17:42, "ruddy, and (ira) of a fair countenance"). "Wisdom is good, and an inheritance is good; 'both are good, but the advantages of the former, as ver. 12 intimates, far outweigh those of the latter.And by it there is profit to them that see the sun; rather,and an advantage for those that see the,sun. However useful wealth may be, wisdom is that which is really beneficial to all who live and rejoice in the light of day. In Homer the phrase,ὁρᾶν φάος ἠελίοιο, "to see the light of the sun" ('Iliad,' 18:61), signifies merely "to live;" Plumptre considers it to be used here and in Ecclesiastes 19:7 in order to convey the thought that, after all, life has its bright side. Cox would take it to mean to live much in the sun,i.e.to lead an active life - which is an imported modern notion.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Wisdom,חָכְמָ֖ה(ḥāḵ·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdomlikeעִֽם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withan inheritance,נַחֲלָ֑ה(na·ḥă·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159:Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion[is] good,טוֹבָ֥ה(ṭō·w·ḇāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodand it benefitsוְיֹתֵ֖ר(wə·yō·ṯêr)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3148:Superiority, advantage, excessthose who seeלְרֹאֵ֥י(lə·rō·’ê)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7200:To seethe sun.הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃(haš·šā·meš)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121:The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement
Links
Ecclesiastes 7:11 NIVEcclesiastes 7:11 NLTEcclesiastes 7:11 ESVEcclesiastes 7:11 NASBEcclesiastes 7:11 KJV
Ecclesiastes 7:11 BibleApps.comEcclesiastes 7:11 Biblia ParalelaEcclesiastes 7:11 Chinese BibleEcclesiastes 7:11 French BibleEcclesiastes 7:11 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
