4 Types of Wisdom

12 I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my mind to examine and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied. 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.,15 What is crooked cannot be straightened;what is lacking cannot be counted.16 I said to myself, “See, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge.” 17 I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind.18 For with much wisdom is much sorrow;as knowledge increases, grief increases.

The NET Bible First Edition Notes Notes for 1:13

46 tn Heb “I gave my heart” or “I set my mind.” The term לִבִּי (libbi, “my heart”) is an example of synecdoche of part (heart) for the whole (myself). Qoheleth uses this figurative expression frequently in the book. On the other hand, in Hebrew mentality, the term “heart” is frequently associated with one’s thoughts and reasoning; thus, this might be a metonymy of association (heart = thoughts). The equivalent English idiom would be “I applied my mind.”

Ecclesiastes 1:13 (K&D): The synonyms דָּרַשׁ (to seek) and תּוּר (to hold survey over) do not represent a lower and a higher degree of search (Zöck.), but two kinds of searching: one penetrating in depth, the other going out in extent; for the former of these verbs (from the root-idea of grinding, testing) signifies to investigate an object which one already has in hand, to penetrate into it, to search into it thoroughly; and the latter verb (from the root-idea of moving round about) signifies to hold a survey,—look round in order to bring that which is unknown, or not comprehensively known, within the sphere of knowledge, and thus has the meaning of băkkēsh, one going the rounds. It is the usual word for the exploring of a country, i.e., the acquiring personal knowledge of its as yet unknown condition; the passing over to an intellectual search is peculiar to the Book of Koheleth, as it has the phrase נָתַן לֵב לְ, animum advertere, or applicare ad aliquid, in common only with Dan.

The Hebrew word for wisdom is chokhmah, from the verb chakham, meaning “to be wise.” It covers a broad area of meaning in the ot. It can refer to the skill or ability of craftsmen or artists (Exod 28:3; 35:10; 36:1–2; Jer 10:9). Certain animals are described literally as “very wise” because of the “clever” ways they overcome their weaknesses (Prov 30:24–28). Most often chokhmah refers to a person’s wise judgment or decision making, which leads to success (Prov 13:17; 14:8; Eccl 8:5; 10:12). Wisdom brings strength and favor; the wise avoid acting recklessly or out of anger (Prov 14:35; 24:5; Eccl 7:19; compare Prov 14:16; 16:14; 29:8, 11).

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

11 God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are given to you. I will also give you riches, wealth, and glory, unlike what was given to the kings who were before you, or will be given to those after you.” 13 So Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place that was in Gibeon in front of the tent of meeting, and he reigned over Israel.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 12

13 Wisdom and strength belong to God;

counsel and understanding are his.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 8

10 Accept my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than pure gold.

11 For wisdom is better than jewels,

and nothing desirable can equal it.

12 I, wisdom, share a home with shrewdness

and have knowledge and discretion.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 9

10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will be many,

and years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit;

if you mock, you alone will bear the consequences.”

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 2

2 I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ., 3 In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Chokhmah to be wise

Knowledge (da’ath) is closely associated with wisdom

The Hebrew terms binah and tevunah both mean “understanding” or “discernment.” These terms describe the ability to understand things like righteousness, justice, and piety

Instruction

The Hebrew term musar means “instruction” or “discipline.” It can refer specifically to the discipline of God or human instruction or discipline

Prudence

The Hebrew verb haskel means “to act wisely” or “to be prudent.” The prudent person is characterized by restraint of speech and a steady work ethic (Psa 36:3; Prov 10:5; 10:19). The prudent will find favor (Prov 14:35;

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 1

This verse is a proverb. What is crooked cannot be straightened refers to a problem that cannot be solved. What is lacking cannot be counted refers to working with insufficient information. The problem of understanding life is beyond mere humans.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 1

Instead of answering all our questions and bringing happiness, great learning or wisdom only leads to less certainty and more pain.

Related Media

Related Sermons