7:1 is better than precious ointment The Hebrew text here may be literally rendered “good oil.” In the ancient world, an abundance of oil was a sign of wealth (Job 29:6; Prov 21:20; Matt 26:7).

7:2 the house of mourning The Hebrew word used here, beth-evel, only occurs this one time in the Bible, although a similar phrase (beth marzeach) appears in Jeremiah (see Jer 16:5 and note). The phrase emphasizes the mortality that comes with being human (compare note on Eccl 4:2).

should take it to his heart People should live in a manner that recognizes their mortality. The inevitable fate of humanity has been emphasized throughout the book (2:14–16; 3:19–20; 6:6).

7:4 The heart of the wise “Heart” in the ot refers to the essential character of a person, not just the center of emotions (1 Sam 16:7).

of mirth Means pleasure (simchah), which provides no lasting value. See Eccles 2:2 and note.

7:5 the rebuke of the wise A form of instruction (Prov 13:1). Wisdom literature praises the person who accepts rebuke (Prov 17:10; 27:5).

7:6 the sound of thorns Just as thorns burn quickly and provide little heat, foolish laughter is short-lived and accomplishes little.

7:7 oppression makes a fool of the wise Oppression and injustice particularly trouble the author. See Eccles 4:1–3.

7:9 anger lodges in the bosom of fools Proverbs often describes fools as having quick tempers (Prov 14:17, 29), while the wise are slow to anger (Prov 16:32; 19:11).

The Fool in Proverbs

7:12 money offers protection Both wisdom and wealth provide value—but with limitation. Wisdom is more valuable than folly, but neither prevent the ultimate fate of death (Eccles 2:12–16). Wealth is valuable insofar as it can be enjoyed (5:19–6:2).

7:13 what he made crooked Echoes the earlier proclamation that God makes everything “beautiful,” “good,” or “appropriate” in its time (see 3:11 and note). People cannot change God’s order, regardless of the circumstances (3:14).

7:14 For God made one in place of another People should accept both good and bad situations in life, recognizing that they are dependent on God, not their circumstances (3:11). See note on 9:7–10.

cannot find out what will happen in the future God’s work is unknowable (3:11–14).

7:15 a righteous man perishes See note on Eccles 8:13.

7:16 Do not be excessively righteous A warning against relying on wisdom and righteousness for prolonged life or happiness (vv. 15; 2:15).

you destroy yourself The Hebrew word shamam can refer both to destruction and one’s emotional response to destruction (“to be shocked” or “dumfounded”). The person who relies on his or her own wisdom or righteousness for a happy, prosperous life will be disappointed.

7:17 Do not act excessively wicked Not permission to be somewhat wicked, but a warning against wickedness that recognizes it cannot be completely avoided (v. 20).

you die before your time Wickedness and folly were commonly believed to result in premature death (Psa 37:10; Prov 6:12–15; 10:8, 27). The author observes that often, this is not the case (Eccles 7:15; 8:12–14).

7:18 whoever fears God The person who fears God recognizes the limitation of human wisdom and righteousness, while also being aware of the results of wickedness and folly. See 3:14 and note.

7:19 Wisdom gives more strength Wisdom is valuable, but death cancels any advantages it provides (2:12–16).

7:20 never sins The limitation of human righteousness is noted throughout Wisdom literature (Prov 20:9; Job 4:17).

7:23 it was beyond my grasp Reflects the limitation of human wisdom.

7:26 woman This may evoke a common feature of Wisdom Literature: its personification of wisdom and foolishness as two women (see Prov 9:1–18 and note).

7:27 said the Teacher See note on Eccles 1:1.

7:28 one righteous man among one thousand Not a literal statement—rather, an expression of the limitation of human righteousness (see v. 20).

7:29 God made mankind upright Probably a reference to the first chapters of Genesis (see 3:11 and note; and 3:20 and note). God created humanity “good,” but Adam and Eve sinned by seeking their own wisdom apart from God (Gen 3:5).