Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. New Living Translation I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. English Standard Version Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness. Berean Standard Bible And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness: King James Bible Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. New King James Version Then I saw that wisdom excels folly As light excels darkness. New American Standard Bible Then I saw that wisdom surpasses foolishness as light surpasses darkness. NASB 1995 And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. NASB 1977 And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. Legacy Standard Bible And I saw that there is an advantage in wisdom over simpleminded folly as light has an advantage over darkness. Amplified Bible Then I saw that [even secular] wisdom [that brings sorrow] is better than [the pleasures of] folly and self-indulgence as light excels darkness. Christian Standard Bible And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. Holman Christian Standard Bible And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. American Standard Version Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. Contemporary English Version And I discovered that wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. English Revised Version Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. GOD'S WORD® Translation But I saw that wisdom has an advantage over foolishness as light has an advantage over darkness. Good News Translation Oh, I know, "Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. International Standard Version I concluded that wisdom is more useful than foolishness, just as light is more useful than darkness. NET Bible I realized that wisdom is preferable to folly, just as light is preferable to darkness: New Heart English Bible Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. Webster's Bible Translation Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness: World English Bible Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness. Young's Literal Translation And I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness. Smith's Literal Translation And I saw there is profit to wisdom more than to folly, as the excellence of the light above darkness. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I saw that wisdom excelled folly, as much as light differeth from darkness. Catholic Public Domain Version And I saw that wisdom surpasses foolishness, so much so that they differ as much as light from darkness. New American Bible And I saw that wisdom has as much profit over folly as light has over darkness. New Revised Standard Version Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I saw that wisdom excels folly, just as light excels darkness. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I have seen that there is more profit in wisdom than foolishness, as light is greater than darkness OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I saw that wisdom excels folly, as much as light excels darkness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Wise and the Foolish12Then I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what more can the king’s successor do than what has already been accomplished? 13And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness: 14The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also came to realize that one fate overcomes them both.… Cross References Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. John 1:4-5 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Proverbs 10:23 The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. 1 John 1:5-7 And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. Proverbs 21:16 The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Proverbs 3:13-18 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ... Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, Proverbs 8:1-11 Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: ... 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Treasury of Scripture Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. i saw Ecclesiastes 7:11,12 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun… Ecclesiastes 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth… light Ecclesiastes 11:7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: Psalm 119:105,130 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path… Proverbs 4:18,19 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day… Jump to Previous Advantage Better Dark Darkness Excelleth Far Folly Foolish Light Ways WisdomJump to Next Advantage Better Dark Darkness Excelleth Far Folly Foolish Light Ways WisdomEcclesiastes 2 1. the vanity of human courses is the work of pleasure12. Though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event 18. The vanity of human labor, in leaving it they know not to whom 24. Nothing better than joy in our labor but that is God's gift And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly The phrase begins with the personal observation of the author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom. This reflects the experiential nature of Ecclesiastes, where the author shares insights gained through life’s pursuits. Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and is considered a divine gift (James 1:5). The comparison to folly highlights the biblical theme of the two paths: the way of wisdom and the way of foolishness (Proverbs 14:12). Wisdom is portrayed as superior because it leads to life and understanding, while folly leads to destruction and chaos (Proverbs 1:32-33). just as light exceeds darkness Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reflections in Ecclesiastes are often seen as a culmination of his life experiences and search for meaning. 2. Jerusalem The central place of worship and governance during Solomon's reign. It serves as the backdrop for much of Solomon's life and the setting for his reflections. 3. Wisdom and Folly These are personified concepts throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. Wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and living a life aligned with God's principles, while folly represents a life lived apart from divine guidance. Teaching Points The Superiority of WisdomWisdom is portrayed as inherently superior to folly, much like light is to darkness. This suggests that a life guided by wisdom is more fulfilling and aligned with God's purposes. The Symbolism of Light and Darkness Light and darkness are powerful symbols throughout Scripture. Light represents truth, knowledge, and God's presence, while darkness often symbolizes ignorance and separation from God. Practical Pursuit of Wisdom Believers are encouraged to actively seek wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and living in obedience to God's commands. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Wisdom While wisdom is superior to folly, Ecclesiastes also reminds us of the limitations of human wisdom. True wisdom is found in a relationship with God. Living in the Light As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the light, reflecting God's truth and love in a world often characterized by darkness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 2:13?2. How does Ecclesiastes 2:13 distinguish between wisdom and folly in daily decisions? 3. What practical steps can we take to "see that wisdom is better"? 4. How does Ecclesiastes 2:13 connect with Proverbs' teachings on wisdom? 5. In what ways can we apply the "light" of wisdom in our lives? 6. How can Ecclesiastes 2:13 guide us in choosing mentors or role models? 7. What does Ecclesiastes 2:13 mean by "wisdom is better than folly" in a practical sense? 8. How does Ecclesiastes 2:13 align with the overall message of the Book of Ecclesiastes? 9. Why does Ecclesiastes 2:13 compare wisdom and folly to light and darkness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 2? 11. What are the consequences of acting foolishly? 12. Does Ecclesiastes 2:15-16 contradict Proverbs' exaltation of wisdom by calling wisdom ultimately futile? 13. Ecclesiastes 4:1 speaks of oppression but offers no clear solution--why doesn't the text explicitly condemn or address the oppressors? 14. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says the day of death is better than the day of birth--how does this not undermine the inherent value of life found elsewhere in the Bible? What Does Ecclesiastes 2:13 Mean And I sawSolomon writes, “And I saw…,” underscoring that this conclusion is not theory but observation: • He has “applied [his] mind to study and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 1:13), so his words flow from careful, Spirit-guided investigation. • The phrase calls us to trust the Spirit-inspired record; Scripture presents actual, reliable insight, not mere opinion. • Similar first-hand language appears in Ecclesiastes 1:14—“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun”—showing the preacher’s comprehensive survey of life’s realities. that wisdom exceeds folly Solomon’s verdict is clear: “wisdom exceeds folly.” He is not comparing abstract ideas but two ways of living: • Wisdom—skill in godly living—“is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7). • Folly—life apart from God’s counsel—“delights in wicked schemes” (Proverbs 10:23). • The superiority of wisdom is practical and moral. It brings: – Protection (“Wisdom preserves the life of its owner,” Ecclesiastes 7:12). – Prosperity (“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom… she is more precious than rubies,” Proverbs 3:13-15). – Peace (“Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful,” Proverbs 3:17). • Meanwhile folly leads to ruin: “The complacency of fools destroys them” (Proverbs 1:32). Solomon’s straightforward comparison assures believers that choosing God’s wisdom is always the better path, even when its benefits are not immediately visible. just as light exceeds darkness To cement his point, Solomon uses a vivid picture everyone understands: light’s obvious supremacy over darkness. • Light brings clarity. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Light brings life. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). • Light brings guidance. Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). • By contrast, darkness hides dangers and breeds fear—an apt picture of folly’s consequences (Proverbs 4:19). The analogy leaves no middle ground: just as walking in pitch darkness is perilous, so living in folly is destructive. Walking in the light of God’s wisdom is as plainly superior as day is to night. summary Ecclesiastes 2:13 affirms a truth as undeniable as sunrise: choosing God’s wisdom is better than choosing folly, just as walking in light is better than stumbling in darkness. Solomon’s Spirit-guided observation invites each reader to value, pursue, and obey the wisdom God offers in His Word, confident that it leads to clarity, safety, and life. (13) Wisdom surely has an advantage over folly, yet how full of "vanity" is that advantage. Let the wise man have done his best, soon death comes; the wise man is forgotten, and all he has gained by his labour passes, without labour, into the hands of one who may be no inheritor of his wisdom.Excelleth.--There is profit in wisdom more than in folly. The same word "profit" is used as in Ecclesiastes 5:11. (See Note on Ecclesiastes 1:3.) Verse 13. - Then (and) I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness; or, there is profit, advantage (περίσσεια Septuagint, Ecclesiastes 1:3) to wisdom over folly, as the advantage of light over darkness. This result, at any rate, was obtained - he learned that wisdom had a certain value, that it was as much superior to folly, in its effects on men, as light is more beneficial than darkness. It is a natural metaphor to represent spiritual and intellectual development as light, and mental and moral depravity as darkness (comp. Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And Iאָ֔נִי (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I saw וְרָאִ֣יתִי (wə·rā·’î·ṯî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see that שֶׁיֵּ֥שׁ (še·yêš) Pronoun - relative | Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is wisdom לַֽחָכְמָ֖ה (la·ḥā·ḵə·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom exceeds יִתְר֛וֹן (yiṯ·rō·wn) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3504: Preeminence, gain folly, הַסִּכְל֑וּת (has·siḵ·lūṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5531: Silliness just as light הָא֖וֹר (hā·’ō·wr) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary exceeds כִּֽיתְר֥וֹן (kî·ṯə·rō·wn) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3504: Preeminence, gain darkness: הַחֹֽשֶׁךְ׃ (ha·ḥō·šeḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2822: The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness Links Ecclesiastes 2:13 NIVEcclesiastes 2:13 NLT Ecclesiastes 2:13 ESV Ecclesiastes 2:13 NASB Ecclesiastes 2:13 KJV Ecclesiastes 2:13 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 2:13 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 2:13 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 2:13 French Bible Ecclesiastes 2:13 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly (Ecclesiast. 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