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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 7:25 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/21_Ecc_07_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 7:25 - The Limits of Human Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/">Ecclesiastes</a> > <a href="/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 25</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-24.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:24">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 7:25 <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:26">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New International Version</a> So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly. <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness. <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> I turned my heart to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know the wickedness of folly and the foolishness that is madness. <a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New King James Version</a> I applied my heart to know, To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things, To know the wickedness of folly, Even of foolishness and madness. <a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I directed my mind to know and to investigate, and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of foolishness and the foolishness of insanity. <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. <a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I directed my mind to know, to investigate, and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. <a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I turned my heart to know, to explore, and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the wickedness of foolishness and the simpleminded folly of madness. <a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I turned around and directed my heart to know, to investigate and to seek [skillful and godly] wisdom and the reason for things, and to know that wickedness is folly and that foolishness is madness [leading to stupidity and recklessness]. <a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I turned my thoughts to know, explore, and examine wisdom and an explanation for things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity and folly is madness. <a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I turned my thoughts to know, explore, and seek wisdom and an explanation for things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity and folly is madness. <a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So I decided to learn everything I could and become wise enough to discover what life is all about. At the same time, I wanted to understand why it's stupid and senseless to be an evil fool. <a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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: <a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I turned my attention to study, to explore, and to seek out wisdom and the reason for things. I learned that wickedness is stupid and foolishness is madness. <a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> But I devoted myself to knowledge and study; I was determined to find wisdom and the answers to my questions, and to learn how wicked and foolish stupidity is. <a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> I committed myself to understand, to learn, to search for wisdom and explanations, and to understand both the evil that is foolishness and the stupidity that is delusion. <a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/ecclesiastes/7.htm">NET Bible</a> I tried to understand, examine, and comprehend the role of wisdom in the scheme of things, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the insanity of folly. <a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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: <a href="/web/ecclesiastes/7.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I have turned around, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and the madness of foolishness. <a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I went round about, I and my heart, to know, and to examine, and to search out wisdom and understanding, and to know the injustice of folly, and the folly of wickedness:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I have surveyed all things with my mind, to know, and consider, and seek out wisdom and reason: and to know the wickedness of the fool, and the error of the imprudent: <a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 7:26>I have examined all things in my soul, so that I may know, and consider, and seek out wisdom and reason, and so that I may recognize the impiety of the foolish, and the error of the imprudent. <a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New American Bible</a> I turned my heart toward knowledge; I sought and pursued wisdom and its design, and I recognized that wickedness is foolishness and folly is madness. <a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I turned my mind to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the sum of things, and to know that wickedness is folly and that foolishness is madness.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I went around and applied my heart to know and to visit and to search for wisdom and reason and to know the wickedness of the fool, even folly and transgression. <a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I and my heart have traveled about to know and to perform and to seek wisdom and calculation and to know the wickedness of the fool and foolishness and crime<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> I turned about, and applied my heart to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason of things, and to know wickedness to be folly, and foolishness to be madness; <a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I and my heart went round about to know, and to examine, and to seek wisdom, and the account of things, and to know the folly and trouble and madness of the ungodly man. <a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1359" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/7.htm">The Limits of Human Wisdom</a> …24What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it? 25<a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: sab·bō·w·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">directed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: wə·lib·bî (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">my mind</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: lā·ḏa·‘aṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">to understand,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8446.htm" title="8446: wə·lā·ṯūr (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To seek out, spy out, explore. A primitive root; to meander about, especially for trade or reconnoitring.">to explore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: ū·ḇaq·qêš (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">to search out</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/2808.htm" title="2808: wə·ḥeš·bō·wn (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A reckoning, account. From chashab; properly, contrivance; by implication, intelligence.">and explanations,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·lā·ḏa·‘aṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">and to understand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3689.htm" title="3689: ke·sel (N-ms) -- Loins, stupidity, confidence. From kacal; properly, fatness, i.e. By implication the loin or the viscera; also silliness or trust.">the stupidity</a> <a href="/hebrew/7562.htm" title="7562: re·ša‘ (N-ms) -- Wickedness. From rasha'; a wrong.">of wickedness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5531.htm" title="5531: wə·has·siḵ·lūṯ (Conj-w, Art:: N-fs) -- Folly. Or sikluwth; from cakal; silliness.">and the folly</a> <a href="/hebrew/1947.htm" title="1947: hō·w·lê·lō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Madness. Feminine active participle of halal; folly.">of madness.</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm">Proverbs 2:4-5</a> if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, / then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/proverbs/8-17.htm">Proverbs 8:17</a> I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me. <a href="/proverbs/18-15.htm">Proverbs 18:15</a> The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Proverbs 14:6</a> A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. <a href="/job/28-12.htm">Job 28:12-28</a> But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ... <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a> Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a> A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Proverbs 24:3-4</a> By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; / through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20-25</a> Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? / For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. / Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, ... <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a> that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a> O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-20</a> Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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:I applied mine heart<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:13-17</a> And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith… <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:1-3,12,20</a> I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity… the reason<a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:27</a> Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:15</a> Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:16,17</a> And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there… know<a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:3</a> This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.<a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:13</a> The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.<a href="/genesis/34-7.htm">Genesis 34:7</a> And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Applied</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-24.htm">Directed</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Discovery</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-17.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/esther/10-2.htm">Explanation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-13.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-17.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-2.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-22.htm">Investigate</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Madness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">One's</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Scheme</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm">Search</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-20.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-3.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/psalms/139-17.htm">Sum</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-18.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-24.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-17.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Applied</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-25.htm">Directed</a> <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Discovery</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Explanation</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Foolishness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Investigate</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-3.htm">Madness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-28.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-16.htm">One's</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/songs/2-6.htm">Round</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Scheme</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-29.htm">Search</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-28.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Sum</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-1.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-2.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 7</div>1. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-1.htm">remedies against vanity are, a good name</a> 2. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-2.htm">mortification</a> 7. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">patience</a> 11. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">wisdom</a> 23. <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-23.htm">The difficulty of wisdom</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the biblical context, the heart and mind are often seen as the seat of understanding and decision-making (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). Solomon, traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, was known for his wisdom, which he received from God (<a href="/1_kings/3-12.htm">1 Kings 3:12</a>). This pursuit of understanding reflects a deep desire to comprehend life's complexities and the divine order.to explore Exploration here suggests a thorough and comprehensive investigation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, exploration was not just physical but intellectual and spiritual. The Hebrew culture valued wisdom literature, as seen in Proverbs and Job, which often involved exploring life's profound questions. This exploration is akin to a quest for truth, reminiscent of the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily (<a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a>).to search out wisdom and explanations The search for wisdom and explanations implies a quest for meaning and clarity in a world that often seems chaotic. Wisdom in the biblical sense is more than knowledge; it is the application of divine principles to life (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). Solomon's pursuit is reflective of the human condition's yearning for understanding, as seen in the wisdom literature's emphasis on fearing the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>).and to understand the stupidity of wickedness This phrase highlights the contrast between wisdom and folly. Wickedness is often portrayed in Scripture as foolishness, leading to destruction (<a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a>). The biblical narrative consistently shows that sin and rebellion against God result in negative consequences, as seen in the lives of figures like Saul and Ahab. Understanding wickedness involves recognizing its inherent lack of sense and the ultimate futility of living apart from God's ways.and the folly of madness Madness here can be understood as irrational behavior that deviates from God's wisdom. In biblical terms, folly is often equated with moral and spiritual blindness (<a href="/psalms/14.htm">Psalm 14:1</a>). The phrase underscores the absurdity of living without regard for divine truth, as illustrated in the parable of the rich fool (<a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>). This pursuit of understanding madness is a call to discern the difference between the world's fleeting pleasures and the eternal wisdom of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> - Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His quest for understanding and meaning is central to this verse. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> - The city where Solomon reigned and where much of his wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes, is believed to have been composed. 3. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a> - A central theme in Ecclesiastes, wisdom is portrayed as a divine gift and a pursuit that leads to understanding life's complexities. 4. <a href="/topical/f/folly.htm">Folly</a> - Represents foolishness and moral failure, often contrasted with wisdom in the wisdom literature of the Bible. 5. <a href="/topical/w/wickedness.htm">Wickedness</a> - Refers to moral corruption and sin, which Solomon seeks to understand in its contrast to righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">The Pursuit of Wisdom</a> Solomon's quest for wisdom is a model for believers to seek understanding and discernment in their lives. True wisdom is found in God and His Word. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_human_folly.htm">Understanding Human Folly</a> Recognizing the "madness of folly" helps believers avoid the pitfalls of sin and moral failure. It is crucial to discern the difference between godly wisdom and worldly foolishness. <a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_human_understanding.htm">The Limitations of Human Understanding</a> While Solomon sought to understand everything, he acknowledged the limitations of human wisdom. Believers should rely on God's infinite wisdom rather than their own understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_heart_in_seeking_wisdom.htm">The Role of the Heart in Seeking Wisdom</a> Solomon "turned his heart" to seek wisdom, indicating that the pursuit of wisdom is not just intellectual but also a matter of the heart and spirit. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_wickedness.htm">The Consequences of Wickedness</a> Understanding the "stupidity of wickedness" helps believers comprehend the destructive nature of sin and the importance of living a righteous life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 7</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_tomorrow.htm">What does fearing God mean about avoiding extremes?</a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_7_16_conflict_with_matthew_6_33.htm">In Ecclesiastes 7:16, being 'overly righteous' is discouraged--doesn't this conflict with biblical commands to live righteously (e.g., Matthew 6:33)?</a> <a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_4_2-3_contradict_pro-life.htm">In Ecclesiastes 4:2-3, the speaker says the dead or unborn are more fortunate than the living--does this contradict the Bible's overall respect for life?</a> <a href="/q/what's_galilee's_role_in_the_bible.htm">Why did God command killing Midianites, including children?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm" title="Behold, this have I found, said the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:">Ecclesiastes 7:27</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-29.htm" title="See, this only have I found, that God has made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.">Ecclesiastes 7:29</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm" title="Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go.">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a>; save that in <a href="/2_chronicles/26-15.htm" title="And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and on the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones with. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.">2Chronicles 26:15</a> we have the plural in the sense of military engines.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. - I applied mine heart to know; more literally, I turned myself, and my heart was [set] to know. We have the expression, "tamed myself," referring to a new investigation in <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:20</a> and elsewhere; but the distinguishing the heart or soul from the man himself is not common in Scripture (see on ch. 11:9), though the soul is sometimes apostrophized, as in <a href="/luke/12-19.htm">Luke 12:19</a> (comp. <a href="/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/146-1.htm">Psalm 146:1</a>). The writer here implies that he gave up himself with all earnestness to the investigation. Unsatisfactory as his quest had been hitherto. He did not relinquish the pursuit, but rather turned it in another direction, where he could hope to meet with useful results. The Septuagint has, "I and my heart traveled round (ἐκύκλωσα) to know;" the Vulgate, Lustravi universa animo meo ut scirem. And to search, and to seek out wisdom. The accumulation of synonymous verbs is meant to emphasize the author's devotion to his self-imposed task and his return from profitless theoretical investigation to practical inquiry. And the reason of things. Cheshbon (ver. 27; <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a>) is rather "account," "reckoning," than "reason " - the summing-up of all the facts and circumstances rather than the elucidation of their causes. Vulgate, rationem; Septuagint, ψῆφον. The next clause ought to be rendered, And to know wickedness as (or, to be) folly, and foolishness as (to be) madness. His investigation led him to this conclusion, that all infringement of God's laws is a misjudging aberration - a willful desertion of the requirements of right reason - and that mental and moral obtuseness is a physical malady which may be called madness (comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:17</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:12</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:13</a>). <a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I אֲנִ֤י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I directed סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי (sab·bō·w·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> To turn about, go around, surround my mind וְלִבִּי֙ (wə·lib·bî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre to understand, לָדַ֣עַת (lā·ḏa·‘aṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know to explore, וְלָת֔וּר (wə·lā·ṯūr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8446.htm">Strong's 8446: </a> To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitring to search out וּבַקֵּ֥שׁ (ū·ḇaq·qêš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after wisdom חָכְמָ֖ה (ḥāḵ·māh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> Wisdom and explanations, וְחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן (wə·ḥeš·bō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2808.htm">Strong's 2808: </a> Contrivance, intelligence and to understand וְלָדַ֙עַת֙ (wə·lā·ḏa·‘aṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> Knowledge the stupidity כֶּ֔סֶל (ke·sel) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3689.htm">Strong's 3689: </a> Fatness, the loin, the viscera, silliness, trust of wickedness רֶ֣שַׁע (re·ša‘) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7562.htm">Strong's 7562: </a> Wickedness and the folly וְהַסִּכְל֖וּת (wə·has·siḵ·lūṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5531.htm">Strong's 5531: </a> Silliness of madness. הוֹלֵלֽוֹת׃ (hō·w·lê·lō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1947.htm">Strong's 1947: </a> Madness <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:25 I turned around and my heart sought (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 7:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 7:26" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>