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Ecclesiastes 7:10

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Say not thou, What is [the cause] that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

Say {H559} not thou, What is the cause that the former {H7223} days {H3117} were better {H2896} than these? for thou dost not enquire {H7592} wisely {H2451} concerning this.

Don't ask why the old days were better than now, because that is a foolish question.

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:10 presents a profound piece of wisdom from the Preacher (or Qoheleth), challenging a common human tendency to idealize the past and lament the present. It warns against asking, "What is the cause that the former days were better than these?" asserting that such an inquiry is not wise.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 7-8) where the Preacher offers various maxims and observations on wisdom, folly, and the complexities of life "under the sun." The book of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to King Solomon, grapples with the pursuit of meaning in a world of 'vanity' (Hebrew: hebel, often translated as meaninglessness or futility). In this chapter, the Preacher contrasts wisdom with folly, good times with bad, and offers counsel on how to navigate life's inevitable ups and downs. Verse 10 specifically addresses a particular form of discontentment that arises from an unwise comparison of eras.

Key Themes

  • Discontentment with the Present: The verse directly confronts the human inclination to believe that previous times were inherently superior, leading to dissatisfaction with current circumstances.
  • The Folly of Unwise Comparison: It labels such a nostalgic questioning as "not enquiring wisely." This suggests that romanticizing the past often stems from a skewed perception, a lack of gratitude for the present, or an inability to find meaning in one's current reality.
  • Wisdom in Perspective: True wisdom, according to the Preacher, involves accepting and making the most of the present moment, understanding that idealizing the past prevents one from seeing the blessings or opportunities of today. It implicitly encourages a spirit of contentment and gratitude, regardless of the era.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "enquire wisely" comes from the Hebrew word chochmah (חָכְמָה), which signifies practical, spiritual, and intellectual wisdom. When the Preacher states that one "does not enquire wisely concerning this," he implies that such a question does not arise from a place of true understanding, discernment, or a proper grasp of life's realities. It suggests a lack of foresight and a misunderstanding of how God works through all times, rather than a genuine search for truth. This kind of questioning is rooted in emotional dissatisfaction rather than objective assessment.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless counsel for navigating the challenges of life:

  • Guard Against Nostalgia's Trap: While reflecting on the past can be beneficial, excessive idealization can breed discontentment and prevent us from engaging fully with our present. The "good old days" often appear better because we selectively remember them, overlooking their own difficulties.
  • Focus on the Present: Wisdom directs us to find purpose, joy, and meaning in the here and now. Instead of lamenting what was, we are encouraged to cultivate gratitude and make the most of the opportunities and challenges of today.
  • Cultivate a Wise Perspective: True wisdom involves understanding that every era has its unique challenges and blessings. Complaining about the present by comparing it unfavorably to a romanticized past is unproductive and indicates a failure to "enquire wisely" into the reality of life.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 6:13 (5 votes)

    And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where [be] all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

  • Genesis 6:11 (4 votes)

    ¶ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

  • Genesis 6:12 (4 votes)

    And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

  • Romans 1:22 (4 votes)

    Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

  • Romans 1:32 (4 votes)

    Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

  • Isaiah 50:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Where [is] the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors [is it] to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

  • Jeremiah 44:17 (4 votes)

    But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for [then] had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.