DailyBible

Ecclesiastes 2:13 Meaning

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

Context Explained

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.

15Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

Key Themes

wisdomlightdarkness

Related Cross References

  • Proverbs 4:7

    Proverbs emphasizes the importance of wisdom, echoing the value of wisdom in Ecclesiastes.

  • Matthew 5:14

    Jesus refers to His followers as the light of the world, connecting with the theme of wisdom as light.

  • 1 John 1:5

    John speaks of God being light, resonating with the contrast of wisdom and folly.

Source: Ecclesiastes 2:13