Ecclesiastes 7:22-25
New American Standard Bible
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
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
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
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
New International Version
New King James Version