Wisdom makes the wise man strongerWisdom in the biblical context often refers to a deep understanding and reverence for God, as seen in
Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." This wisdom is not merely intellectual but spiritual and moral, guiding one's actions and decisions. The strength mentioned here is not physical but moral and spiritual fortitude, enabling a person to navigate life's complexities with discernment and integrity. This echoes the sentiment in
Proverbs 24:5, "A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases power."
than ten rulers in a city
In ancient times, cities were often governed by multiple rulers or elders who held significant power and influence. The number ten symbolizes completeness or fullness, suggesting a full council of leaders. The comparison highlights that true wisdom surpasses even the collective strength and authority of these rulers. This reflects the biblical theme that God's wisdom is superior to human authority, as seen in1 Corinthians 1:25, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." The verse underscores the value of divine wisdom over earthly power, a recurring theme throughout Scripture.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes offer insights into the meaning of life and the value of wisdom.
2.
The Wise ManRepresents those who seek and apply godly wisdom in their lives, contrasting with the foolish or unwise.
3.
Rulers in a CitySymbolizes human authority and power structures. In ancient times, a city with multiple rulers would be seen as strong and well-governed.
Teaching Points
The Superiority of WisdomWisdom is portrayed as a source of strength greater than physical power or political authority. In a world that often values might and influence, this verse reminds us of the enduring power of godly wisdom.
The Role of Wisdom in LeadershipEffective leadership is not just about authority or control but about applying wisdom. Leaders who seek wisdom can govern more effectively than those who rely solely on their position or power.
Seeking Divine WisdomBelievers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who is the ultimate source of all understanding. This pursuit should be a continual process in the life of a Christian.
Wisdom as a Protective ForceJust as a city is protected by its rulers, a life guided by wisdom is safeguarded against the challenges and temptations of the world.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:19?
2.How does wisdom in Ecclesiastes 7:19 strengthen us more than earthly power?
3.What role does wisdom play in overcoming life's challenges according to Ecclesiastes 7:19?
4.How can we apply "wisdom makes the wise man stronger" in daily decisions?
5.How does Ecclesiastes 7:19 connect with Proverbs' teachings on wisdom's value?
6.In what ways can we seek God's wisdom to strengthen our spiritual walk?
7.How does Ecclesiastes 7:19 relate to the concept of wisdom in the Bible?
8.Why does Ecclesiastes 7:19 emphasize wisdom over strength?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Ecclesiastes 7:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 7?
11.When is it time to be silent or speak?
12.Ecclesiastes 8:5 states that the wise person knows when and how to act; is there archaeological or historical evidence supporting such definite wisdom teachings in this era?
13.Hosea 8:4: How could Israel set up kings without God's approval if He is sovereign over all nations?
14.Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile?What Does Ecclesiastes 7:19 Mean
Wisdom“Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.” (Ecclesiastes 7:19)
• Scripture consistently links true wisdom with knowing and fearing the Lord (Proverbs 1:7;Job 28:28).
• Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is skillful living that aligns with God’s revealed truth (James 3:17).
• Christ Himself is called “our wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30), so seeking wisdom ultimately means seeking Him.
Makes the wise man stronger• Wisdom supplies inner strength that outlasts physical might or political leverage (Proverbs 24:5;Psalm 119:98).
• It equips a person to navigate temptation, suffering, and complex decisions (2 Timothy 3:15–17;James 1:5).
• This strength is moral and spiritual: a settled heart, clear discernment, and courageous obedience (Joshua 1:8–9 echoed inPsalm 1:2–3).
Than ten rulers in a city• “Ten rulers” pictures impressive civic power, a miniature council of authorities. Yet wisdom outshines them all.
– Solomon elsewhere notes that “a poor but wise youth is better than an old but foolish king” (Ecclesiastes 4:13).
– God used Joseph’s wisdom to save nations, eclipsing Pharaoh’s governors (Genesis 41:39–44).
– David’s insight from the Lord outmatched the strategic might of Saul and his army (1 Samuel 18:14,30).
• The verse underscores that godly insight surpasses collective human authority (Psalm 20:7;Proverbs 21:22).
Daily takeaway• Pursue wisdom in God’s Word; it fortifies you for every arena—home, work, church, community.
• Measure influence not by titles or numbers but by alignment with Scripture (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).
• Share wisdom humbly; its quiet power often reshapes situations more than open force (Proverbs 15:1;Ecclesiastes 9:17–18).
summaryEcclesiastes 7:19 declares that the person who lives by God-given wisdom possesses a strength superior to any civic alliance or human authority. Rooted in the fear of the Lord and centered on Christ, this wisdom grants discernment, endurance, and influence that outlasts and outweighs political power.
(19)
Mighty men.--The word is translated "governor"
Genesis 42:6, and so see
Ecclesiastes 10:5; see also
Ecclesiastes 8:8. The preacher returns to the topic of
Ecclesiastes 7:12. Of the "For" in the next verse, only forced explanations have been given; the sentiment is Solomon's (
1Kings 8:46).
Verse 19. -
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise. The moderation enjoined is the only true wisdom, which, indeed, is the most powerful incentive and support. "Wisdom proves itself stronger" (as the verb is put intransitively) "
to the wise
man." Septuagint,
βοηθήσει," will help;" Vulgate,
confortuvit, "hath strengthened." The spiritual and moral force of
the wisdom grounded upon the fear of God is here signified, and is all the more insisted upon to counteract any erroneous impression conveyed by the caution against over-wisdom in ver. 16 (see note on ver. 17, at the end).
More than ten mighty men which are in the city. The number
ten indicates completeness,
containing in itself the whole arithmetical system, and used representatively for an indefinite multitude. Thus Job (Job 19:3) complains that his friends have reproached him ten times, and Elkanah asks his murmuring wife, "Am I not better to thee than ten sons?" (
1 Samuel 1:8). Delitzsch thinks that some definite political arrangement is referred to,
e.g., the dynasties placed by Persian kings over conquered countries; and Tyler notes that in the Mishna a city is defined to be a place containing ten men of leisure; and we know that ten men were required for the establishment of a synagogue in any locality. The same idea was present in the Angle-Saxon arrangement of
tything and
hundred. The number, however, is probably used indefi
nitely here as
seven in the parallel passage of Ecclesiasticus (37:14), "
A man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen that sit above in a high tower." The sentence may be compared with
Proverbs 10:15;
Proverbs 21:22;
Proverbs 24:5. The word rendered "mighty men" (
shallitim)
is not necessarily a military
designation; it is translated "ruler" in
Ecclesiastes 10:5, and "governor" in
Genesis 42:6. The Septuagint here has
Ἐξουσιάζοντας τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τῇ πόλει; the Vulgate,
principes civitatis. The persons intended are not primarily men of valor in war, like David's heroes, but rulers of sagacity, prudent statesmen, whose moral force is far greater and more efficacious than any merely physical excellence (comp.
Ecclesiastes 9:16).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Wisdomהַֽחָכְמָ֖ה(ha·ḥā·ḵə·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdommakes the wise manלֶחָכָ֑ם(le·ḥā·ḵām)Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450:Wisestronger thanתָּעֹ֣ז(tā·‘ōz)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5810:To be strongtenמֵֽעֲשָׂרָה֙(mê·‘ă·śā·rāh)Preposition-m | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 6235:Tenrulersשַׁלִּיטִ֔ים(šal·lî·ṭîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7989:Having mastery, domineeringin a city.בָּעִֽיר׃(bā·‘îr)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892:Excitement
Links
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Ecclesiastes 7:19 BibleApps.comEcclesiastes 7:19 Biblia ParalelaEcclesiastes 7:19 Chinese BibleEcclesiastes 7:19 French BibleEcclesiastes 7:19 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
