Ecclesiastes 7:23
All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me.
Majority Standard Bible
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
22For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
24What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it?
Cross References
1 Kings 3:11So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice—
Ecclesiastes 1:17So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind.
1 Corinthians 1:20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
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 →