Ecclesiastes 7:25

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

I applied {H5437} mine heart {H3820} to know {H3045}, and to search {H8446}, and to seek out {H1245} wisdom {H2451}, and the reason {H2808} of things, and to know {H3045} the wickedness {H7562} of folly {H3689}, even of foolishness {H5531} and madness {H1947}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So I turned myself and my thoughts to know, search out and seek wisdom and the reasons behind things, also to know how foolish it is to be wicked and how stupid to act like a fool.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:25 captures the Preacher's relentless and deeply personal intellectual quest to comprehend the fundamental nature of existence. He dedicates his entire being to diligently search for wisdom, to understand the underlying "reason of things," and, crucially, to fully grasp the destructive and irrational character of wickedness, folly, and madness. This verse encapsulates Qoheleth's earnest, comprehensive pursuit of truth and discernment in a world often perceived as complex and enigmatic, revealing his profound commitment to intellectual and spiritual inquiry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, shifts his focus from observing life's general vanities to a more intense, personal investigation into the practical value and limitations of wisdom. Having explored various avenues for satisfaction and understanding, from pleasure to labor, he now turns inward, applying his heart to the rigorous intellectual and spiritual pursuit of truth. This section contrasts wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness, and seeks to understand the just and unjust dealings "under the sun," a recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes that highlights the human perspective limited by earthly experience. The Preacher's search here is an intensified version of his earlier intellectual endeavors, as seen in his declaration in [Ecclesiastes 1:13](/ecclesiastes/1-13 "Ecclesiastes 1:13 - The Preacher's Search for Wisdom"), where he set his heart "to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven." This verse marks a pivotal moment where his inquiry becomes even more focused and determined, aiming to dissect the very essence of wisdom and its antithesis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ecclesiastes, part of the Old Testament's wisdom literature, reflects the intellectual and philosophical currents of ancient Israel, where sages and wise men played a significant role in guiding society through moral and practical instruction. The pursuit of wisdom (Hebrew: *chokmah*) was highly valued, often seen as a divine gift and a path to a well-ordered life. Unlike the more prescriptive wisdom of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes often grapples with the complexities and paradoxes of life, pushing the boundaries of conventional wisdom. The "Preacher" (Qoheleth) likely represents a royal or highly educated figure, given his resources and ability to dedicate himself fully to such an extensive intellectual quest. His inquiry into the "reason of things" (Hebrew: *cheshbôwn*) suggests a sophisticated intellectual environment where logical coherence and understanding the underlying principles of the universe were sought after, echoing broader ancient Near Eastern intellectual traditions that sought to decipher the cosmic order and the divine plan.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 7:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores the **diligent and comprehensive pursuit of knowledge**. The Preacher's "applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out" emphasizes a profound, intentional, and exhaustive commitment to intellectual and spiritual understanding, reflecting humanity's innate yearning for ultimate answers. This echoes the biblical call to seek wisdom earnestly, as highlighted in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **understanding the "reason of things"**, a quest not just for facts but for the underlying logic, purpose, and interconnectedness of existence. This involves a deep analytical process, a desire to discern the true nature of how the world operates and why things are as they are. Thirdly, and crucially, the verse reveals the theme of **discerning folly and madness**. True wisdom, for Qoheleth, is not merely about embracing what is good and right, but also about fully comprehending the destructive, immoral, and irrational nature of its opposite. This dual pursuit defines wisdom by understanding its stark contrast, a recurring motif in wisdom literature that often contrasts the path of the wise with the path of the fool, as seen throughout [Psalm 1](/psalm/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Ungodly").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **applied (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** A primitive root meaning "to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively." In this context, it signifies a complete turning or encompassing of one's attention and effort towards a task. It implies a thorough, all-encompassing devotion, suggesting that the Preacher fully immersed himself in this intellectual pursuit, leaving no stone unturned.
* **seek out (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after." This word emphasizes an active, diligent, and often exhaustive search, going beyond mere observation to an intentional pursuit. It conveys the idea of an earnest quest, not a casual inquiry, but a determined effort to uncover hidden truths.
* **reason (Hebrew, _cheshbôwn'_):** From חָשַׁב; properly, "contrivance; by implication, intelligence." Here, it refers to the underlying logic, calculation, or explanation of things. It's not just about knowing facts, but understanding the coherence, the purpose, and the interconnectedness that gives meaning to observations. It implies a desire to grasp the divine order or the logical structure of reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom":** This opening clause sets the stage for the Preacher's profound intellectual and spiritual endeavor. "Applied mine heart" signifies a total commitment of his inner being – his intellect, will, and emotions – to this quest. The triple repetition of verbs ("to know, and to search, and to seek out") underscores the exhaustive, diligent, and comprehensive nature of his pursuit. He is not merely curious; he is driven by an intense desire to acquire wisdom, which in biblical terms is not just intellectual knowledge but practical skill in living righteously and discerning truth in a complex world.
* **"and the reason [of things]":** This phrase, translating the Hebrew *cheshbôwn*, indicates a deeper level of inquiry. The Preacher seeks not just wisdom, but the underlying logic, the "account," or the "reckoning" of how things operate. He desires to understand the cause-and-effect relationships, the principles, and the ultimate rationale behind the phenomena of life. This goes beyond superficial understanding to a profound grasp of coherence and purpose, seeking to uncover the very blueprint of existence.
* **"and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness [and] madness":** Crucially, the Preacher's quest for wisdom is balanced by an equally intense desire to understand its antithesis. He wants to "know" (in the sense of fully comprehending and experiencing the consequences of) the destructive nature of wickedness, folly, and madness. This demonstrates a holistic approach to discernment: true wisdom requires not only embracing what is good but also thoroughly understanding and avoiding what is evil, irrational, and ultimately destructive. The progression from "folly" to "foolishness" and "madness" emphasizes the escalating degrees of irrationality and moral corruption, highlighting the profound danger and emptiness of living apart from true wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:25 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the intensity and scope of the Preacher's intellectual journey. **Repetition** is evident in the string of infinitives: "to know, and to search, and to seek out." This cumulative effect emphasizes the exhaustive and multifaceted nature of Qoheleth's inquiry, highlighting his tireless dedication and the thoroughness of his investigation. The phrase "applied mine heart" functions as a **Metaphor**, representing a complete and total commitment of one's inner self—intellect, will, and emotion—to a particular endeavor. It's not a casual interest but a profound, internal turning, indicating the deep personal investment in this philosophical quest. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Antithesis** by juxtaposing the pursuit of "wisdom" and "reason" with the desire to understand "the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness." This stark contrast underscores that true discernment involves comprehending both the good and the bad, defining wisdom by understanding its opposite and the destructive paths associated with it, thereby providing a complete picture of the Preacher's comprehensive search for truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:25 profoundly illustrates the human condition's innate yearning for meaning and understanding, a quest that often runs into the limitations of human reason "under the sun." The Preacher's diligent search for wisdom and the "reason of things" points to a theological truth: humanity is created with an inherent desire for knowledge and order, reflecting the divine image in which we are made. However, the book's overall conclusion often highlights that ultimate wisdom and true understanding of life's deepest mysteries are not fully attainable through human effort alone. This verse sets the stage for the book's ultimate theological conclusion, that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and obedience to His commands, as it is God who holds the ultimate "reason of things" and the full understanding of good and evil. The earnestness of the Preacher's search, even in its apparent futility, models a commendable desire for truth that, when rightly directed, leads to God Himself, the fount of all wisdom.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"): "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom"): "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
* [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "Job 28:28 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom"): "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Preacher's tireless quest in Ecclesiastes 7:25 serves as a powerful model for believers today. In a world saturated with information yet often lacking true wisdom, we are called to apply our hearts with similar diligence to the pursuit of understanding—not merely worldly knowledge, but especially spiritual truth. This means engaging deeply with God's Word, seeking His wisdom through prayer, and thoughtfully reflecting on life's complexities. Just as Qoheleth sought to understand both wisdom and folly, we are challenged to develop spiritual discernment, recognizing and rejecting the destructive paths of sin, irrationality, and worldly foolishness. Our pursuit of "the reason of things" should ultimately lead us to the Creator, acknowledging that true coherence and meaning are found in His divine order, not solely in human intellect. This verse encourages us to be intellectually rigorous in our faith, always seeking to grow in knowledge and understanding, while maintaining humility about the limits of our own comprehension and trusting in God's ultimate wisdom and sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you diligently "applying your heart" to know and understand, particularly concerning spiritual truths?**
* **How does your pursuit of wisdom compare to the Preacher's comprehensive search for both wisdom and the nature of folly?**
* **What "reasons of things" in your life or the world do you struggle to comprehend, and how might seeking God's wisdom bring clarity?**
* **How can you better discern between true wisdom and the deceptive forms of "foolishness and madness" prevalent in contemporary culture, and what practical steps can you take?**

### FAQ
**What does "reason [of things]" (cheshbôwn) imply about Qoheleth's intellectual pursuit?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *cheshbôwn* (H2808) translated as "reason [of things]" signifies more than just surface-level understanding; it implies a deep analytical process, a "reckoning" or "account" of how things operate. Qoheleth sought to understand the underlying logic, the principles, and the coherence that govern existence. This indicates a desire to grasp the divine order, the cause-and-effect relationships, and the ultimate rationale behind life's phenomena. It's a quest for comprehensive intelligence, to see how everything fits together, rather than just accumulating isolated facts. This intense desire for understanding the world's mechanisms is a hallmark of the Preacher's intellectual journey throughout [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "The Book of Ecclesiastes"), as he attempts to make sense of life "under the sun."

**Does the Preacher ultimately succeed in his quest to "know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason [of things]"?**

Answer: From the perspective of human effort "under the sun," the Preacher's journey in Ecclesiastes often concludes with a sense of the vanity and futility of fully grasping ultimate truth through human wisdom alone. While he gains profound insights into life's paradoxes and the limitations of various pursuits, he repeatedly finds that much remains elusive and beyond human control or comprehension. His search for the "reason of things" often leads to the conclusion that "no one can discover what God has already done from beginning to end" ([Ecclesiastes 3:11](/ecclesiastes/3-11 "Ecclesiastes 3:11 - God's Work is Beyond Human Comprehension")). However, his diligent search is not entirely in vain, as it ultimately leads him to the foundational truth that the "whole duty of man" is to "fear God, and keep his commandments" ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter")). Thus, his success lies not in fully comprehending every mystery, but in redirecting his exhaustive intellectual energy towards reverence for God, recognizing that true wisdom is found in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:25, with its depiction of humanity's earnest but ultimately limited quest for wisdom and the "reason of things," finds its profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Preacher's tireless search for understanding the true nature of wisdom and the destructive reality of folly points directly to Christ, who is revealed in the New Testament as the very **Wisdom of God** incarnate. While Qoheleth struggled to find ultimate meaning "under the sun," [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge") declares that "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Jesus is not merely a wise teacher; He *is* divine wisdom, the ultimate "reason of things" through whom all things were created and hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Furthermore, Christ perfectly "knows the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness," not by succumbing to it, but by exposing it through His perfect life, teachings, and atoning death. He is the light that came into the world, revealing the darkness of sin and folly ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Light Has Come into the World")), and offering a path out of its destructive grip. Where human wisdom falters and human reason is limited, Christ provides the complete revelation of God's truth and the ultimate answer to life's deepest questions, becoming for us "wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" ([1_corinthians/1-30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Holiness, and Redemption")). In Him, the Preacher's search for ultimate meaning finds its divine and satisfying conclusion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 10:13

The beginning of the words of his mouth [is] foolishness: and the end of his talk [is] mischievous madness.

2 Peter 3:3

¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

2 Peter 3:9

¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Joshua 7:13

Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

Ecclesiastes 7:27

Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, [counting] one by one, to find out the account:

Ecclesiastes 2:15

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.

Proverbs 17:12

¶ Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.