Ecclesiastes 7:23
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְהִ֖יא
H1931
וְהִ֖יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Solomon pursued wisdom more systematically than perhaps any figure in history (1 Kings 4:29-34), yet concluded wisdom's essence remained elusive. This reflects the biblical pattern that human achievement, however great, cannot reach God's level.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging the limits of human wisdom protect against intellectual pride?
- In what areas might you be pursuing 'wisdom' through self-effort rather than seeking God's revelation?
- What difference does it make that Christ is wisdom incarnate (1 Corinthians 1:30) for those pursuing understanding?
Analysis & Commentary
All this have I proved by wisdom (כָּל־זֹה נִסִּיתִי בַחָכְמָה, kol-zoh nissiti bachokhmah)—'all this I have tested/examined through wisdom,' from nasah (to test, try, prove). I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me (אָמַרְתִּי אֶחְכָּמָה וְהִיא רְחוֹקָה מִמֶּנִּי, amarti echkamah vehi rechokah mimmenni)—'I said I will become wise, but it was distant from me.' The verb echkamah is the reflexive form, 'I will make myself wise.'
After chapters of wisdom observations, Qoheleth confesses his own project's ultimate failure: despite rigorous examination (nissiti, systematic testing), true wisdom remained elusive. This isn't false modesty but epistemological honesty—human wisdom has limits. The phrase 'I will be wise' reveals the ambition; 'it was far from me' acknowledges the gap between aspiration and achievement. This anticipates Paul's 'the foolishness of God is wiser than men' (1 Corinthians 1:25). The wisest man concludes by admitting wisdom's depths exceed human grasp, preparing for the ultimate revelation: 'Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God' (1 Corinthians 1:30).