Ecclesiastes 1:18

For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

For in much {H7230} wisdom {H2451} is much {H7230} grief {H3708}: and he that increaseth {H3254} knowledge {H1847} increaseth {H3254} sorrow {H4341}.

For in much wisdom is much grief; the more knowledge, the more suffering.

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.

For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18 (KJV)

Ecclesiastes 1:18 presents a profound, albeit somber, observation from Qoheleth, the Preacher, regarding the paradoxical nature of wisdom and knowledge. It suggests that an increase in understanding can lead to a corresponding increase in sorrow and grief.

Context

This verse is a pivotal statement within the opening chapters of Ecclesiastes, where the author, traditionally identified as King Solomon, recounts his exhaustive pursuit of understanding and experience "under the sun." Having explored pleasure, wealth, and profound wisdom, he concludes much of it is "vanity of vanities" (hebel). Verse 18 directly follows his declaration of acquiring "more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem" (Ecclesiastes 1:16). Despite his vast intellectual accumulation, he found not lasting joy, but vexation of spirit.

Key Themes

  • The Burden of Knowledge: The verse highlights the unexpected consequence of intellectual growth. Rather than leading to unbridled happiness, increased wisdom and knowledge can bring a deeper awareness of the world's inherent flaws, injustices, and transient nature.
  • Awareness of Imperfection: A highly knowledgeable person often perceives more of the world's problems, suffering, and the limitations of human effort than someone less informed. This heightened perception exposes painful realities that might otherwise remain unnoticed.
  • Limitations of Human Wisdom: Qoheleth's experience suggests that even the greatest human wisdom cannot fully resolve life's deepest questions or eliminate its inherent pains. This realization itself can be a source of grief.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is chokmah (חָכְמָה), referring to practical skill, intellectual understanding, and discernment. "Knowledge" is da'at (דַּעַת), encompassing perception, comprehension, and experience. The terms used for the negative consequences are strong: "grief" is ka'as (כַּעַס), which can mean vexation, anger, or sorrow; and "sorrow" is makh'ov (מַכְאוֹב), denoting pain, anguish, or hurt. This indicates that the Preacher is not speaking of minor annoyance, but deep emotional distress and a sense of burden that comes with profound insight into the human condition.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 1:18 serves as a humbling reminder that human wisdom, while valuable, has limits and can even be a source of burden when it reveals the brokenness of the world without offering ultimate solutions. It encourages us to seek not just knowledge for its own sake, but also a wisdom rooted in God. While understanding the world's problems is important, true peace and contentment are found not merely in accumulating facts, but in understanding God's sovereignty and purpose. This divine perspective provides hope and meaning even amidst life's challenges, leading to the peace that surpasses all understanding, which is distinct from the sorrow found in mere earthly wisdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 28:28

    And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:12

    And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:18

    ¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:20

    And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

  • James 3:13

    ¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

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