Ecclesiastes 7:25
Ecclesiastes 7:25 in Multiple Translations
I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
I turned about, and my heart was set to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason of things, and to know that wickedness is folly, and that foolishness is madness.
I gave my mind to knowledge and to searching for wisdom and the reason of things, and to the discovery that sin is foolish, and that to be foolish is to be without one's senses.
I turned my thoughts to discover, investigate, and to find out more about wisdom and what makes sense. I wanted to know more about how stupid evil really is, and how ridiculous it is to be a fool.
All this haue I prooued by wisedome: I thought I will be wise, but it went farre from me.
I have turned round, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and of foolishness the madness.
I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.
I applied my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things , and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
Much more than it was: it is a great depth, who shall find it out?
But I decided to investigate things and by my wisdom try to understand the reason for everything. I also wanted to understand why people act wickedly and why they act very foolishly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 7:25
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 7:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי
אֲנִ֤י
וְ/לִבִּ/י֙
לָ/דַ֣עַת
וְ/לָ/ת֔וּר
וּ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
חָכְמָ֖ה
וְ/חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן
וְ/לָ/דַ֨עַת֙
רֶ֣שַׁע
כֶּ֔סֶל
וְ/הַ/סִּכְל֖וּת
הוֹלֵלֽוֹת
סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֤י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וְ/לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms | Suff
לָ/דַ֣עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/לָ/ת֔וּר
tûwr
H8446
to spy
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וּ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Conj | V-Piel-Inf-a
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן
cheshbôwn
H2808
explanation
Conj | N-ms
וְ/לָ/דַ֨עַת֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רֶ֣שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
wickedness
N-ms
כֶּ֔סֶל
keçel
H3689
loin
N-ms
וְ/הַ/סִּכְל֖וּת
çiklûwth
H5531
folly
Conj | Art | N-fs
הוֹלֵלֽוֹת
hôwlêlâh
H1947
madness
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 7:25
סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֲנִ֤י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וְ/לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לָ/דַ֣עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
וְ/לָ/ת֔וּר
tûwr
H8446
"to spy"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to explore or spy out a place, often for trade or reconnaissance. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants, traders, and spies who search out new areas.
Definition: 1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something 1a2) to spy out, explore 1a2a) explorers, spies (participle) 1a3) to go about 1a3a) merchant, trader (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: chap(-man), sent to descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out). See also: Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:38; Proverbs 12:26.
וּ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Conj | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וְ/חֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן
cheshbôwn
H2808
"explanation"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a reckoning or accounting, implying intelligence and reasoning, as seen in its various translations throughout the Bible.
Definition: account, reasoning, reckoning
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: account, device, reason. See also: Ecclesiastes 7:25; Ecclesiastes 7:27; Ecclesiastes 9:10.
וְ/לָ/דַ֨עַת֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
רֶ֣שַׁע
reshaʻ
H7562
"wickedness"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wrong, wickedness, guilt 1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law) 1b) wickedness (of enemies) 1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, wicked(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:27; Proverbs 12:3; Psalms 5:5.
כֶּ֔סֶל
keçel
H3689
"loin"
N-ms
This term can refer to the physical loin area, but also to confidence, hope, or foolishness, depending on the context, such as in Psalm 38:10. It's about where we place our trust or confidence.
Definition: 1) loins, flank 2) stupidity, folly 3) confidence, hope
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: confidence, flank, folly, hope, loin. See also: Leviticus 3:4; Job 15:27; Psalms 38:8.
וְ/הַ/סִּכְל֖וּת
çiklûwth
H5531
"folly"
Conj | Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to foolish or silly behavior, like in Proverbs 9:13-18, where it describes the folly of a foolish woman. It can also mean a foolish or senseless act. English Bibles often translate it as 'folly' or 'foolishness'.
Definition: folly, foolishness Another spelling of sikh.lut (סִכְלוּת "folly" H5531B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishness. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 2:13; Ecclesiastes 10:13.
הוֹלֵלֽוֹת
hôwlêlâh
H1947
"madness"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for madness or foolishness, describing a state of mind that lacks wisdom or good judgment, as seen in the book of Proverbs. It can also refer to reckless or impulsive behavior. This concept is discussed in Proverbs 12:1.
Definition: madness
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: madness. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:17; Ecclesiastes 7:25; Ecclesiastes 9:3.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 7:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 7:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:25
Context — The Limits of Human Wisdom
23All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me.
24What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it?
25I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.
26And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a net, and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is ensnared. 27“Behold,” says the Teacher, “I have discovered this by adding one thing to another to find an explanation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 10:13 | The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. |
| 2 | Joshua 7:13 | Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 2:20 | So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. |
| 4 | Proverbs 26:11 | As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 2:3–9 | In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; if He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood on its ungodly people, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, among the eight; if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly; and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 3:16–17 | Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every deed.” |
| 7 | 2 Peter 3:3–9 | Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world of that time perished in the flood. And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. |
| 8 | Genesis 34:7 | When Jacob’s sons heard what had happened, they returned from the field. They were filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had committed an outrage in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 2:15 | So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 12:1–2 | Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. |
Ecclesiastes 7:25 Summary
[This verse is about seeking wisdom and understanding, and being careful not to get caught up in foolish or sinful behavior. The writer is saying that he made a deliberate effort to learn and understand, and to figure out what is wise and what is not. This is similar to what is encouraged in Psalm 119:66, where the psalmist asks God to teach him knowledge and good judgment. By seeking wisdom and understanding, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, as described in Proverbs 9:10, where the fear of the Lord is said to be the beginning of wisdom.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to direct one's mind to understand as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 7:25?
Directing one's mind to understand, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 7:25, means to intentionally and purposefully seek knowledge and wisdom, similar to what is encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-6, where one is urged to seek wisdom and understanding.
How does one search out wisdom and explanations as mentioned in this verse?
Searching out wisdom and explanations involves a diligent and persistent effort to learn and understand, as seen in the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who searched the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received.
What is the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness mentioned in this verse?
The stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness refer to the foolish and destructive nature of sinful behavior, as described in Romans 1:18-32, where it is explained that those who reject God's truth become foolish and engage in unrighteous deeds.
How does this verse relate to the pursuit of wisdom in other parts of the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger theme in the Bible that emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom, as seen in James 1:5, where it is written that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can intentionally direct my mind to understand and seek wisdom in my daily life?
- How do I distinguish between true wisdom and foolishness, and what role does God's Word play in this process?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking wisdom and understanding in my relationships and decision-making?
- What are some common pitfalls or deceptions that can lead me away from true wisdom and towards foolishness, and how can I guard against them?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 7:25
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom,.... Or, "I and my heart turned about" (h); took a circuit, a tour throughout the whole compass of things; looked into every
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:25
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: I applied mine heart to know ... -
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
I applied mine heart; I was not discouraged, but provoked by the difficulty of the work to undertake it; which is an argument of a great and generous soul. To know, and to search, and to seek out; he useth three words signifying the same thing, to intimate his vehement desire and vigorous and unwearied endeavour after it. The reason of things, both of God’ s various providences, and of the differing and contrary counsels and courses of men. To know the wickedness of folly, that I might clearly and fully understand the great evil of sin, and all that wickedness and folly or madness which is bound up in the hearts of all men by nature, and which discovers itself in the course of their lives.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
Ecclesiastes 7:25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason [of things], and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness [and] madness:Ver. 25. I applied mine heart.] Circuivi ego et cot meum, so the original runs; I and my heart turned about, or made a circle to know, &c. He took his heart with him, and resolved, hard or not hard, to make further search into wisdom’ s secrets. Difficulty doth but whet on heroic spirits: it doth no whit weaken but waken their resolutions to go through with the work. When Alexander met with any hard or hazardous piece of service, he would say, Iam periculum par anime Alexandri, He ever achieved what he enterprised, because he never accounted anything impossible to be achieved. David was well pleased with the condition of bringing in to Saul the foreskins of a hundred Philistines. If a bowl run downhill, a rub in the way does but quicken it; as if up hill, it slows it. A man of Solomon’ s make, one that hath a free, noble, princely spirit, speaks to wisdom, as Laelius in Lucan did to Caesar, “ Iussa sequi tam velle mihi, quam posse, necesse. ” And to know the wickedness of folly.] The "sinfulness of sin." Sin is so evil that it cannot have a worse epithet given it. "Mammon of unrighteousness," is the next odious name to the devil. Even the foolishness of madness.] That by one contrary he might the better know the other.
Folly may serve as a foil to set off wisdom; as gardeners suffer some stinking stuff to grow near their sweetest flowers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
(25) The reason of things.—The corresponding verb “to count” is common. This noun is almost peculiar to this book, where it occurs again in Ecclesiastes 7:27; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ecclesiastes 9:10; save that in 2 Chronicles 26:15 we have the plural in the sense of military engines.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
Verse 25. I applied mine heart] I cast about, סבותי sabbothi, I made a circuit; I circumscribed the ground I was to traverse; and all within my circle I was determined to know, and to investigate, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things. Has man reason and understanding? If so, then this is his work. God as much calls him to use these powers in this way, as to believe on the Lord Jesus that he may be saved; and he that does not, according to the means in his power, is a slothful servant, from whom God may justly take away the misemployed or not used talent, and punish him for his neglect. Every doctrine of God is a subject both for reason and faith to work on. To know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness.] "And my own heart, with scrutiny severe, By far the harder task survey'd; intent To trace that wisdom which from heaven descends, Fountain of living waters, and to explore The source of human folly, whose foul streams Intoxicate and kill."-C.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 7:25
25. I applied mine heart to know] The present text and punctuation give, as in the marginal reading of the A. V., I and my heart. The expression has no exact parallel in O. T. language, but harmonizes with the common mode of speech, familiar enough in the poetry of all times and countries, furnishing a title (“My Soul and I”) to a poem of Whittier’s, in which a man addresses his heart or soul (comp. Luke 12:19), as something distinguishable from himself. So in ch. Ecclesiastes 1:13 we have “I gave my heart.” Here the thought implied seems to be that of an intense retrospective consciousness of the experience, or experiment, of life which the seeker is about to narrate. The words indicate another return to the results of that experience and the lessons it had taught him. He turned to ask the “reason,” better perhaps, the plan or rationale, of the prevalence of madness and folly.
We note, as before in ch. Ecclesiastes 2:12, the Stoic manner of dealing with the follies of men as a kind of mental aberration.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 7:25
Reason - The same word is translated “account” Ecclesiastes 7:27, “invention” Ecclesiastes 7:29, and “device” Ecclesiastes 9:10 : it is derived from a root signifying “to count.”
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:25
25. I applied mine heart to know — is my heart turned to know? The writer resumes his practical inquiry in a new direction. He searches to know the actual cause of the intense and appaling wickedness of men. And the reason, etc.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 7:25
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Ministry From James-01 by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher uses two illustrations to emphasize the power of the tongue. The first illustration compares the bit in a horse's mouth to the control a person can hav |
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Last Day False Prophets by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher warns against false teachers who exploit people with made-up stories and greed. He references biblical examples of God's judgment on sin, such as the p |
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Personal Testimony by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience of going against his conscience and the consequences that followed. He describes the moment when his father confronted |
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Ploughing a Rock by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the futility of seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in worldly pursuits such as pleasure, wealth, and success. The author presents various examples |
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Some Lessons the Lord Taught Me by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's provision and strength during trials and temptations. It highlights the need to rely on God's faithfulness, the assurance |
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2 Peter 2:22 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:22, illustrating the profound truth of the proverb that likens apostates to dogs returning to their vomit and washed sows returning to mire. He emph |
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(Prophecy) Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of deception in relation to the second coming of Jesus. He highlights that Jesus himself warned about deception |