Wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of knowledge in daily life. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with a deep reverence for God and an understanding of His ways. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." This suggests that true wisdom is rooted in a relationship with God, guiding one's actions and decisions. In Ecclesiastes, wisdom is portrayed as a valuable asset that provides strength and insight beyond mere human capabilities.

makes the wise man stronger
The phrase "makes the wise man stronger" implies empowerment and fortification. The Hebrew verb "עָזַק" (azaq) conveys the idea of strengthening or fortifying. In a spiritual sense, wisdom equips a person with the inner strength to face life's challenges and adversities. This strength is not merely physical but also moral and spiritual, enabling the wise to navigate complex situations with discernment and integrity. The wise man, therefore, is not easily swayed by external pressures or temptations, standing firm in his convictions.

than ten rulers
The comparison to "ten rulers" highlights the significant advantage that wisdom provides. In ancient times, rulers were often seen as powerful and influential figures, possessing authority and control over their domains. The number ten symbolizes completeness or fullness, suggesting that even a multitude of leaders cannot match the strength that wisdom imparts to an individual. This underscores the biblical theme that true power and security are found not in human authority but in the wisdom that comes from God.

in a city
The "city" in ancient Israel was a center of social, economic, and political life. It was a place where decisions were made, and power was exercised. The mention of a city emphasizes the public and communal aspect of wisdom's influence. A wise person, through their understanding and prudent actions, can have a profound impact on the community, contributing to its stability and prosperity. This reflects the biblical principle that wisdom is not only for personal benefit but also for the common good, promoting justice and peace within society.

(19) Mighty men.--The word is translated "governor" Genesis 42:6, and so see Ecclesiastes 10:5; see also Ecclesiastes 8:8. The preacher returns to the topic of Ecclesiastes 7:12. Of the "For" in the next verse, only forced explanations have been given; the sentiment is Solomon's (1Kings 8:46).

Verse 19. - Wisdom strengtheneth the wise. The moderation enjoined is the only true wisdom, which, indeed, is the most powerful incentive and support. "Wisdom proves itself stronger" (as the verb is put intransitively) "to the wise man." Septuagint, βοηθήσει," will help;" Vulgate, confortuvit, "hath strengthened." The spiritual and moral force of the wisdom grounded upon the fear of God is here signified, and is all the more insisted upon to counteract any erroneous impression conveyed by the caution against over-wisdom in ver. 16 (see note on ver. 17, at the end). More than ten mighty men which are in the city. The number ten indicates completeness, containing in itself the whole arithmetical system, and used representatively for an indefinite multitude. Thus Job (Job 19:3) complains that his friends have reproached him ten times, and Elkanah asks his murmuring wife, "Am I not better to thee than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8). Delitzsch thinks that some definite political arrangement is referred to, e.g., the dynasties placed by Persian kings over conquered countries; and Tyler notes that in the Mishna a city is defined to be a place containing ten men of leisure; and we know that ten men were required for the establishment of a synagogue in any locality. The same idea was present in the Angle-Saxon arrangement of tything and hundred. The number, however, is probably used indefinitely here as seven in the parallel passage of Ecclesiasticus (37:14), "A man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen that sit above in a high tower." The sentence may be compared with Proverbs 10:15; Proverbs 21:22; Proverbs 24:5. The word rendered "mighty men" (shallitim) is not necessarily a military designation; it is translated "ruler" in Ecclesiastes 10:5, and "governor" in Genesis 42:6. The Septuagint here has Ἐξουσιάζοντας τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τῇ πόλει; the Vulgate, principes civitatis. The persons intended are not primarily men of valor in war, like David's heroes, but rulers of sagacity, prudent statesmen, whose moral force is far greater and more efficacious than any merely physical excellence (comp. Ecclesiastes 9:16).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Wisdom
הַֽחָכְמָ֖ה (ha·ḥā·ḵə·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

makes the wise man
לֶחָכָ֑ם (le·ḥā·ḵām)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

stronger than
תָּעֹ֣ז (tā·‘ōz)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5810: To be strong

ten
מֵֽעֲשָׂרָה֙ (mê·‘ă·śā·rāh)
Preposition-m | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 6235: Ten

rulers
שַׁלִּיטִ֔ים (šal·lî·ṭîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7989: Having mastery, domineering

in a city.
בָּעִֽיר׃ (bā·‘îr)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement


Ecclesiastes 7:19 NIV
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)