Ecclesiastes 2:13

And I saw that wisdom surpasses foolishness, so much so that they differ as much as light from darkness.

Catholic Public Domain Version

In The King James Version

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

In Context

12I continued on, so as to contemplate wisdom, as well as error and foolishness. “What is man,” I said, “that he would be able to follow his Maker, the King?”

14The eyes of a wise man are in his head. A foolish man walks in darkness. Yet I learned that one would pass away like the other.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 2

Cross References

Proverbs 4:5Obtain wisdom, obtain prudence. May you neither forget, nor turn away from, the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 14:8The wisdom of a discerning man is to understand his way. And the imprudence of the foolish is to be wandering astray.

Ecclesiastes 7:11You should not say: “What do you think is the reason that the former times were better than they are now?” For this type of question is foolish.

Ecclesiastes 9:16And so, I declared that wisdom is better than strength. But how is it, then, that the wisdom of the poor man is treated with contempt, and his words are not heeded?

Ecclesiastes 11:7Light is pleasant, and it is delightful for the eyes to see the sun.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 2:13-17

Superiority of Wisdom to Folly. 12 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. 13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. 14 The 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. 15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

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