Ecclesiastes 7:23

For your conscience knows that you, too, have repeatedly spoken evil of others.

Catholic Public Domain Version

In The King James Version

All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

In Context

22So then, do not attach your heart to every word that is spoken, lest perhaps you may hear your servant speaking ill of you.

24I have tested everything in wisdom. I have said: “I will be wise.” And wisdom withdrew farther from me,

Read all of Ecclesiastes 7

Cross References

1 Kings 3:11And the Lord said to Solomon: “Since you have requested this word, and you have not asked for many days or for wealth for yourself, nor for the lives of your enemies, but instead you have requested for yourself wisdom in order to discern judgment:

Ecclesiastes 1:17And I have dedicated my heart, so that I may know prudence and doctrine, and also error and foolishness. Yet I recognize that, in these things also, there is hardship, and affliction of the spirit.

1 Corinthians 1:20Where are the wise? Where are the scribes? Where are the truth-seekers of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of this world into foolishness?

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 7:12-23

The Advantages of Wisdom. 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 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. 13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 7:23