Ecclesiastes 7:21-25
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 7
21Also, do not take seriously all the words which are spoken, so that you do not hear your servant cursing you, 22for you know that even you have cursed others many times as well.
23I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, 'I will be wise,' but wisdom was far from me.
24What has been is remote and very mysterious. Who can discover it?
25I 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.
King James Version
Chapter 7
21Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
23All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
24That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
25I 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:
Christian Standard Bible
Chapter 7
21Don't pay attention to everything people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you, 22for in your heart you know that many times you yourself have cursed others.
23I have tested all this by wisdom. I resolved, "I will be wise," but it was beyond me.
24What exists is beyond reach and very deep. Who can discover it?
25I 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.
New Living Translation
Chapter 7
21Don’t eavesdrop on others — you may hear your servant curse you. 22For you know how often you yourself have cursed others.
23I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, 'I am determined to be wise.' But it didn’t work.
24Wisdom is always distant and difficult to find.
25I 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.
English Standard Version
Chapter 7
21Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. 22Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.New International Version
Chapter 7
21Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you-- 22for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.New King James Version