Ecclesiastes 7:25

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:

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}:

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.

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.

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

Ecclesiastes 7:25 KJV offers a profound glimpse into the diligent quest of the Preacher, also known as Qoheleth, as he endeavors to grasp the complexities of existence and the nature of truth.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) where the Preacher reflects on the practical aspects of wisdom and folly, comparing their effects on life. Having explored various avenues for satisfaction and understanding, from pleasure to labor, he now turns his focus intensely on the intellectual pursuit of wisdom itself. The book of Ecclesiastes, part of the Old Testament's wisdom literature, often grapples with the seeming futility of life "under the sun" and the limitations of human knowledge, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:13.

Key Themes

  • Diligent Pursuit of Knowledge: The phrase "I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom" emphasizes the Preacher's dedicated, intentional effort. This wasn't a casual inquiry but a deep, personal commitment to intellectual and spiritual understanding. It speaks to the human yearning for ultimate answers and the importance of getting wisdom above all else.
  • Understanding the "Reason of Things": The KJV's "reason [of things]" translates the Hebrew word cheshbon (ื—ึถืฉึฐืื‘ึผื•ึนืŸ), which means "account," "reckoning," or "device." It implies a desire to understand the underlying logic, the proper calculation, or the true nature of how things operate in the world. The Preacher seeks not just facts, but the interconnectedness and purpose behind them.
  • Discerning Folly and Madness: Crucially, the quest for wisdom is paired with a desire "to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness [and] madness." This highlights that true wisdom involves not only embracing what is good and right but also fully comprehending the destructive, immoral, and irrational nature of its opposite. This dual pursuit helps to define wisdom by understanding its contrast.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "applied" (*sฤbab*) can mean to turn, surround, or encompass, suggesting a complete devotion or turning one's attention fully towards the task. The repetition of "to know, and to search, and to seek out" underscores the exhaustive nature of his inquiry. The term cheshbon (ื—ึถืฉึฐืื‘ึผื•ึนืŸ) for "reason" suggests a deep analytical process, a weighing of evidence, and a desire for logical coherence in understanding the world, reflecting a search for the divine order.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 7:25 encourages believers today to engage in a similar earnest pursuit of understanding, not just of worldly knowledge but especially of spiritual truth. While the Preacher often concludes with the vanity of human efforts, his diligent search models the importance of seeking God's wisdom above all else. This verse reminds us that true wisdom involves discerning both good and evil, and understanding the consequences of both. It challenges us to apply our hearts fully to understanding God's ways, recognizing that ultimate wisdom is found not merely in human philosophy but in reverence for the Creator, as articulated in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."

Reflection

The Preacher's tireless quest for wisdom and understanding the "reason of things" reflects a universal human desire for meaning. While he often found limitations "under the sun," his journey points to a deeper truth that transcends earthly understanding, inviting us to seek wisdom from a divine source that offers true and lasting insight. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the value of an earnest pursuit of wisdom in a world often characterized by folly, urging us to guard our hearts with all diligence, as mentioned in Proverbs 4:23.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

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

  • 2 Peter 3:9

    ยถ 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

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