Ecclesiastes 7:23

23 I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me,

Ecclesiastes 7:23 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 7:23

All this have I proved by wisdom
Referring either to all that he had been discoursing of hitherto in this book, concerning the vanity of natural wisdom and knowledge, of pleasure, power, and riches; or to the several useful instructions given in this chapter, particularly concerning patiently bearing everything from the hands of God or men, ( Ecclesiastes 7:8-22 ) . This, by the help and use of that wisdom which God had given him, he had made trial of, and found it to be right, and therefore recommended it to others; though he acknowledges that, with all his wisdom, he was from perfection; I said, I will be wise; but it [was] far from me;
he determined, if possible, to attain to the perfection of wisdom, and made use of all means to come at it; that he might know all the works of God in creation, the nature, use, and excellency of them; in providence, his different dispensations towards the sons of men, and the causes of them; and in grace, the redemption and salvation of men, and the mysteries thereof; but the more he knew, the more he was convinced of his own ignorance, and seemed further off from the summit of knowledge than he was before; and plainly saw, that perfection in wisdom is not attainable in this life. The Targum restrains this to the wisdom of the law; but it is better to understand it in a more general sense.

Ecclesiastes 7:23 In-Context

21 Don't eavesdrop on the conversation of others. What if the gossip's about you and you'd rather not hear it?

22 You've done that a few times, haven't you - said things Behind someone's back you wouldn't say to his face?

23 I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me,

24 far beyond me, and deep - oh so deep! Does anyone ever find it?

25 I concentrated with all my might, studying and exploring and seeking wisdom - the meaning of life. I also wanted to identify evil and stupidity, foolishness and craziness.