Ecclesiastes 12:10

Analysis & Commentary

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words (דִּבְרֵי־חֵפֶץ, divrei-chefets)—literally 'words of delight' or 'pleasing words.' The Hebrew chefets conveys both pleasure and purpose, indicating Solomon sought words that were both aesthetically satisfying and functionally effective. That which was written was upright, even words of truth (דִּבְרֵי־אֱמֶת, divrei-emet)—the Preacher balanced form with content, rhetoric with reality.

This verse forms part of the book's epilogue (12:9-14), where a narrator steps back to evaluate Qoheleth's work. The triple emphasis—'acceptable,' 'upright,' 'truth'—establishes the book's credibility. Unlike false teachers who prioritize eloquence over accuracy or tickle ears with pleasant falsehoods (2 Timothy 4:3), Solomon pursued words that were simultaneously beautiful, morally straight, and factually true. His literary craftsmanship served truth-telling, not manipulation.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature highly valued eloquent expression—Egyptian instruction texts, Mesopotamian proverb collections, and Israelite wisdom writings all demonstrated literary artistry. However, Ecclesiastes uniquely emphasizes the ethical dimension of wise speech: words must be not only beautiful but upright and true. This anticipates the New Testament teaching that sound doctrine must be adorned with godly living (Titus 2:10). The epilogue's narrator validates Qoheleth's work for subsequent generations, functioning like canonical certification. Post-exilic Judaism included Ecclesiastes in Scripture despite its challenging content precisely because it met these criteria: acceptable style, upright character, truthful content.

Questions for Reflection

• How do you balance making your words attractive and persuasive while ensuring they remain truthful and upright?
• What danger exists when Christian communication prioritizes eloquence or entertainment over accuracy and moral integrity?