Kohelet Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Ecclesiastes, tackles this very question, and it does it in such a wonderfully human way.
It all starts with the verse from Ecclesiastes (7:11-12): "Wisdom is good with inheritance, and more so for viewers of the sun. For in the shadow of wisdom, in the shadow of money; the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its possessors."
So, what does that actually mean?
Well, the Rabbis, in their infinite wisdom (pun intended!), offer several interpretations. One is that wisdom is "good" when it's an inheritance – something passed down. Or, that wisdom is best when paired with worldly occupation, echoing the sentiment we find in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) (2:2): Torah study thrives alongside a practical life. It’s not an either/or situation.
But there's more. The text suggests the "wisdom of Moses" is good because he bequeathed the Torah to Israel. Or perhaps it's the wisdom of Betzalel, the artisan who crafted the Ark of the Covenant. The story goes that when Moses instructed Betzalel to build the Ark, the vessels, and the Tabernacle, Betzalel, in his wisdom, suggested building the Tabernacle first. Moses, initially, corrected him, stating God instructed the Ark to be built first. But the Midrash implies Betzalel understood a deeper truth. His wisdom, like Moses', was "good with inheritance," because he left behind the Ark.
And then there's Joshua, whose wisdom was "good with inheritance" because he bequeathed the land of Israel. And, "more so for viewers of the sun," referring to the miracle when the sun stood still for Joshua (Joshua 10:12-13).
It's fascinating how these interpretations weave together, isn't it?
Kohelet Rabbah then shifts focus to the importance of supporting those who dedicate themselves to Torah study. Rabbi Aḥa, in the name of Rabbi Tanchum, states that someone who studies, teaches, observes, and performs the Torah's commandments, but fails to support others in doing so, falls under the curse: "Cursed is one who will not uphold the matters of this Torah" (Deuteronomy 27:26). Conversely, someone who doesn't study but does support others is blessed. Rabbi Huna even suggests that God will provide shade and honor for those who support Torah scholars, because "in the shadow of wisdom, in the shadow of money."
Then comes a captivating story about Shimon ben Shetaḥ and King Yannai. Three hundred nezirim (people who took a vow of separation) needed to bring sacrifices, but lacked the means. Shimon ben Shetaḥ and King Yannai agreed to split the cost. Later, Yannai was told Shimon hadn't contributed anything financially. When Shimon was brought before the King, he explained he contributed his Torah knowledge by finding loopholes to release half of the nezirim from their vows! "You [gave] from your property and I [gave] from my Torah, as it is written: 'For in the shadow of wisdom, in the shadow of money.'"
But the story doesn't end there. Shimon ben Shetaḥ finds himself sitting between the King and Queen! When Yannai questions this, Shimon quotes the book of Ben Sira: "Extol it and it will exalt you, and it will seat you between leaders." It's a powerful illustration that wisdom, Torah, elevates a person.
The text then shares a series of anecdotes, each highlighting how wisdom preserves life. There's the story of Rabbi Yoḥanan ben Zakkai during the siege of Jerusalem, whose clever wordplay saved him. There's Rabbi Yosei bar Yasin, whose knowledge of Jewish law helped his student navigate a difficult situation at sea. And there's Rabbi Meir, who cleverly avoided capture by Roman authorities by pretending to eat pig.
Finally, there's the poignant story of Bar Kappara, who used metaphorical language to announce the death of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi to the people of Tzippori, thus avoiding the wrath of the townspeople who vowed to kill anyone who delivered the bad news. And the miraculous acts surrounding Rabbi's funeral, where the day was extended so everyone could participate.
Each of these stories reinforces the idea that "the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its possessors."
So, what's the takeaway here? It seems Kohelet Rabbah is teaching us that wisdom isn't just about accumulating knowledge. It's about how we use that knowledge. It's about passing it on, supporting those who seek it, and using it to navigate the complexities of life with integrity and, sometimes, a little bit of cleverness. It’s about knowing when to speak, when to be silent, and when a little bit of Torah knowledge (and a lot of quick thinking!) can literally save your life.