What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 9:13? I have also seen Solomon, the writer, pauses to share a fresh observation: “I have also seen…” (Ecclesiastes 9:13). • He’s adding this account to the many scenes he has already cataloged (Ecclesiastes 1:14; 7:15). • The wording reminds us that biblical wisdom is rooted in real, witnessed events, not speculation (1 Kings 4:33-34). • By saying “also,” Solomon signals that God’s lessons keep unfolding; there is always more to discover if we will look (Psalm 111:2). This wisdom The focus is on “this wisdom,” something practical and observable rather than abstract philosophy (Proverbs 3:13-18). • Solomon is about to recount a real-life example of godly insight at work—namely the deliverance of a small city by a poor wise man (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15). • Such wisdom comes from the Lord (Proverbs 2:6) and often appears in humble, unexpected packages (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • The account underscores that true wisdom is measured by righteous impact, not social status (James 3:17). Under the sun “Under the sun” anchors the lesson in life’s everyday arena—this broken world in which we labor (Ecclesiastes 1:3; 2:17; 3:16). • Scripture never hides from the grit of daily existence; it meets us there. • Lessons learned “under the sun” help us live faithfully while we await the fullness of God’s kingdom (Romans 8:18-25). • Even in fallen conditions, God’s wisdom still shines, proving that His truth is relevant to every setting (Psalm 19:7-11). And it was great to me Solomon concludes, “and it was great to me,” revealing how deeply the incident impressed him. • The greatness is not in the storyteller but in the wisdom itself—its power, beauty, and effectiveness (2 Chronicles 1:12). • When godly insight changes outcomes, hearts, or destinies, we should stand in awe, just as Solomon did (Psalm 119:18). • His amazement urges us to value wisdom highly, even when the culture overlooks it (Matthew 13:44-46). summary Ecclesiastes 9:13 introduces a striking case study: Solomon personally witnessed a display of divinely sourced wisdom at work in ordinary life, and the experience left a lasting impact on him. By flagging the event with phrases like “I have also seen,” “this wisdom,” “under the sun,” and “it was great to me,” God’s Word invites us to watch for, prize, and apply heaven-sent insight in our own everyday circumstances, confident that even in a fallen world, the Lord’s wisdom remains powerful and transformative. |
    |