Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Cross-reference
Ecclesiastes 2:13 compares wisdom to light and folly to darkness, reinforcing the theme that wisdom is superior to its opposite.
Ecclesiastes 10:19 says money answers everything, extending the theme of money's utility but without the qualifier of wisdom's supremacy.
Proverbs 2:11 says discretion and understanding preserve you, matching the protective role of wisdom in 7:12.
Proverbs 3:18 describes wisdom as a tree of life to those who hold her—directly affirming that wisdom gives life, the same claim made here.
In Proverbs 8:35, wisdom promises that finding her brings life and favor—echoing the life-giving power of wisdom here.
Proverbs 9:11 similarly says wisdom multiplies days and adds years of life—extending the same theme.
Proverbs 2:7 states God stores up sound wisdom as a shield for the upright, directly paralleling wisdom as defense in 7:12.
Proverbs 18:11 also describes wealth as a strong city and high wall in one's own esteem, echoing money's defensive role but lacking wisdom's life-giving contrast.
Proverbs 4:7 calls wisdom the principal thing—reinforcing the high value placed on wisdom here.
Proverbs 4:13 says instruction 'is your life'—directly parallel to the claim that wisdom gives life.
Proverbs 8:19 claims wisdom's fruit is better than gold—echoing the comparison of wisdom to money here.
Proverbs 16:16 directly states wisdom is better than gold, echoing the superiority of wisdom over money in Ecclesiastes 7:12.
Philippians 3:8 values knowing Christ above all—mirroring the superiority of wisdom over money in this verse.
John 17:3 defines eternal life as knowing God—linking knowledge to life, similar to wisdom giving life here.
Proverbs 11:4 says riches don't profit on the day of wrath—highlighting wealth's limits, paralleling the contrast here.
Isaiah 33:6 declares wisdom and knowledge as treasure and stability, reinforcing that wisdom provides true security beyond money.
Proverbs 14:24 also links wisdom and wealth, calling riches a crown for the wise — reinforcing that both offer protection or honor.