The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:13

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Then (and) I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness; or, there is profit, advantage 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).

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:1-26EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 2:12-17Solomon found that knowledge and prudence were preferable to ignorance and folly, though human wisdom and knowledge will not make a man happy. The most learned of men, who dies a stranger to Christ Jesus, will perish eq…Matthew Henry commentarySuperiority of Wisdom to FollySUPERIORITY OF WISDOM TO FOLLY. Solomon having tried what satisfaction was to be had in learning first, and then in the pleasures of sense, and having also put both together, here compares them one with another and pass…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 2:12-26Section 3. Vanity of wisdom, in view of the fate that awaits the wise man equally with the fool, and the uncertainty of the future of his labors, especially as man is not master of his own fate.Joseph S. Exell and contributors