Ecclesiastes 7:28

Ecclesiastes 7:28 presents a challenging and often debated observation from the Preacher, traditionally identified as King Solomon. In this verse, he reflects on his extensive search for wisdom and uprightness among humanity, stating, "Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found."

Context

This verse is part of a broader discourse in Ecclesiastes 7, where the Preacher explores the complexities of life, wisdom, folly, and the nature of humanity. He discusses the value of wisdom over folly, the difficulty of finding true righteousness, and the pervasive nature of sin. The search for "which" refers back to the "upright man" or "wise person" mentioned in previous verses (e.g., Ecclesiastes 7:26-27). Given Solomon's vast experience, including his numerous wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3), this statement is often understood as a personal, perhaps jaded, reflection on his own extensive observations and relationships, rather than a universal theological declaration about gender.

Key Themes

• The Rarity of True Righteousness: The primary message is the extreme difficulty of finding truly upright and wise individuals in a fallen world. The Preacher's search reveals how rare genuine virtue is among thousands.
• Personal Observation: This statement is a deeply personal lament and observation from the Preacher's own life experience. It reflects his disillusionment after extensive searching for a truly righteous companion or individual, rather than a universal condemnation of women.
• Human Fallibility: The verse underscores the pervasive impact of sin on all humanity. Whether male or female, finding individuals who consistently embody true wisdom and righteousness is a profound challenge, highlighting the universal human condition of sinfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "man" here is 'adam (אדם), which can refer to a male person or humanity in general. In context, it clearly means a male person. The core of the Preacher's search is for chokmah (חכמה), meaning "wisdom," and yashar (ישר), meaning "upright" or "righteous." His inability to find a truly "upright" woman among all those he encountered speaks to the perceived absence of this specific quality in his personal experience.

Practical Application

While Ecclesiastes 7:28 can be jarring, it serves several important practical lessons:

• Seek Personal Righteousness: Instead of focusing on the Preacher's challenging observation, we are called to strive for wisdom and righteousness in our own lives, recognizing its rarity and value.
• Understand Context: It's crucial to interpret this verse within its historical, cultural, and personal context, avoiding misapplication as a general theological statement about gender. The Bible elsewhere affirms the equal capacity for sin and righteousness in both men and women.
• Rely on God's Grace: The difficulty of finding true uprightness among humanity points to our need for divine grace. True wisdom and righteousness ultimately come from God, not from human effort alone. As the conclusion of Ecclesiastes reminds us, the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.