13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
13 I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me:
13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me.
13 One day as I was observing how wisdom fares on this earth, I saw something that made me sit up and take notice.
13 This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me:
13 Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
(Read Ecclesiastes 9:13-18)
A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.