Ecclesiastes 7:23

What does Ecclesiastes 7:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Ecclesiastes 7:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

All this I have put to the test by wisdom; I said, I will be wise, but it was far from me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

All this I have tried by wisdom; I have said, `I am wise,' and it <FI>is<Fi> far from me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For thy conscience knoweth that thou also hast often spoken evil of others.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

v.22for oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

v.23This passage

v.24That which is, is far off and exceeding deep; who can find it out?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Kings 3:11

    And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice;

  • 1 Kings 11:1

    Now king Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:20

    Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

  • Romans 1:22

    Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

  • Genesis 3:5

    for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.

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