KJV ORIGINAL
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
I tested all of this through wisdom. I said to myself, 'I will become wise,' but true wisdom remained beyond my reach.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is acknowledging that despite all his efforts to gain wisdom, he discovered that complete understanding was still beyond his grasp.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from King Solomon's reflections in Ecclesiastes, where he recounts his lifelong pursuit of wisdom and understanding. Solomon was renowned as the wisest man of his time, yet here he humbly admits the limitations of human wisdom. The book represents his mature reflection on life's meaning after experiencing wealth, power, pleasure, and intellectual pursuits.
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