Ecclesiastes 2:12 Meaning
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
Context Explained
10And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
11Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
12And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
13Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
14The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Proverbs 14:24
Proverbs highlights the rewards of wisdom, contrasting with the futility expressed in Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 1:18
Both verses reflect on the nature of wisdom and folly.
James 3:13
James discusses the characteristics of wisdom, resonating with the contemplation of wisdom in this verse.
Source: Ecclesiastes 2:12