Wisdom Excels Folly Like Light Excels Darkness - Ecclesiastes 2:13

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done”, and in chapter two and verse thirteen of his book Solomon said, “wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness”, where we read,

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

The verse reads, “Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, …” Solomon began with the words, “then I saw”  or “at that time I, Solomon, looked at, inspected, perceived and considered” “that wisdom” which means “that skill, prudence and understanding” “excels folly” or “is advantaged over, profits above and is more excellent than silliness and foolhardiness”. Solomon discovered that prudence and understanding is more excellent than foolishness. 

The verse goes on to say, “ … as far as light excels darkness.” Daniel continued with the words, “as far as light” or “similar and in likeness to the manner illumination” “excels darkness” which means “is advantaged over, profits above and is more excellent than obscurity, misery, ignorance and sorrow”. Solomon shared how he discovered that “wisdom excels folly” similar to the way “illumination” is more excellent than obscurity, ignorance and sorrow. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon found some conclusions as he pursued various things in the world. He discovered that “skill, prudence and understanding” were superior to foolhardiness and silliness, and the gap between them was similar to the difference between illumination and obscurity. God wants us to have His “wisdom” (See James 1:5), and the wisest choice we can make is to receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as our “Savior and Lord”. When we accept His offer for salvation, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with the “wisdom” of His Holy Spirit that excels all other venues that are available in the world. 

Next time Solomon says, “the wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".