Sayings on Wisdom and Folly

Ecclesiastes 7

The Preacher offers a series of sayings comparing a good name to fine oil, mourning to feasting, and the rebuke of the wise to the song of fools, urging patience and moderation over both excessive righteousness and excessive wickedness. He recounts his own search for wisdom and his finding that the Lord made man upright, though men have sought out many schemes.

About these editions

The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.

Thomson 1808Septuagint

Brenton 1851Septuagint

Greek · BrentonSeptuagint

KJV 1769Masoretic

JPS 1917Masoretic

ThomsonA GOOD name is better than precious oil; and the day of death, than a birthday.

BrentonA good name is better than good oil; and the day of death than the day of birth.

GreekἈγαθὸν ὄνομα ὑπὲρ ἔλαιον ἀγαθὸν, καὶ ἡμέρα τοῦ θανάτου ὑπὲρ ἡμέραν γεννήσεως.

KJVA good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.

JPSA good name is better than precious oil; And the day of death than the day of one’s birth.

ThomsonIt is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting. As that is the end of every man therefore the living will improve his understanding.

BrentonIt is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the banquet house: since this is the end of every man; and the living man will apply good warning to his heart.

GreekἈγαθὸν πορευθῆναι εἰς οἶκον πένθους ἢ ὅτι πορευθῆναι εἰς οἶκον πότου· καθότι τοῦτο τέλος παντὸς ἀνθρώπου, καὶ ὁ ζῶν δώσει ἀγαθὸν εἰς καρδίαν αὐτοῦ.

KJVIt is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

JPSIt is better to go to the house of mourning, Than to go to the house of feasting; For that is the end of all men, And the living will lay it to his heart.

ThomsonGrief is better than laughter; for by a sadness of countenance a heart may be made better. The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning;

BrentonSorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart will be made better.

GreekἈγαθὸν θυμὸς ὑπὲρ γέλωτα, ὅτι ἐν κακίᾳ προσώπου ἀγαθυνθήσεται καρδία.

KJVSorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

JPSVexation is better than laughter; For by the sadness of the countenance the heart may be gladdened.

Thomsonbut the heart of fools, in a house of mirth.

BrentonThe heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

GreekΚαρδία σοφῶν ἐν οἴκῳ πένθους, καὶ καρδία ἀφρόνων ἐν οἴκῳ εὐφροσύνης.

KJVThe heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

JPSThe heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

ThomsonIt is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise, than to listen to the song of fools.

BrentonIt is better to hear a reproof of a wise man, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

GreekἈγαθὸν τὸ ἀκοῦσαι ἐπιτίμησιν σοφοῦ ὑπὲρ ἄνδρα ἁκούοντα ᾆσμα ἀφρόνων.

KJVIt is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

JPSIt is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, Than for a man to hear the song of fools.

ThomsonLike the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of fools.

BrentonAs the sound of thorns under a caldron, so is the laughter of fools: this is also vanity.

GreekὩς φωνὴ ἀκανθῶν ὑπὸ τὸν λέβητα, οὕτως γέλως τῶν ἀφρόνων· καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης.

KJVFor as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

JPSFor as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; this also is vanity.

ThomsonSurely this also is vanity. Because oppression distracteth a wise man and destroyeth his good disposition, the final sentence is better than such a government.

BrentonFor oppression makes a wise man mad, and destroys his noble heart.

GreekὍτι ἡ συκοφαντία περιφέρει σοφὸν, καὶ ἀπόλλυσι τὴν καρδίαν εὐγενείας αὐτοῦ.

KJVSurely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

JPSSurely oppression turneth a wise man into a fool; And a gift destroyeth the understanding.

ThomsonBetter is a patient man than one of a haughty spirit.

BrentonThe end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof: the patient is better than the high-minded.

GreekἈγαθὴ ἐσχάτη λόγων ὑπὲρ ἀρχὴν αὐτοῦ, ἀγαθὸν μακρόθυμος ὑπὲρ ὑψηλὸν πνεύματι.

KJVBetter is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

JPSBetter is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof; And the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

ThomsonBe not apt to be grieved in spirit; for grief will rest in the bosom of fools.

BrentonBe not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger will rest in the bosom of fools.

GreekΜὴ σπεύσῃς ἐν πνεύματί σου τοῦ θυμοῦσθαι, ὅτι θυμὸς ἐν κόλπῳ ἀφρόνων ἀναπαύσεται.

KJVBe not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

JPSBe not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; For anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

ThomsonSay not, How happened it that the former days were better than these?

BrentonSay not, What has happened, that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire in wisdom concerning this.

GreekΜὴ εἴπῃς, τί ἐγένετο, ὅτι αἱ ἡμέραι αἱ πρότεραι ἦσαν ἀγαθαὶ ὑπὲρ ταύτας; ὅτι οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐπηρώτησας περὶ τούτου.

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

JPSSay not thou: ‘How was it that the former days were better than these?’ for it is not out of wisdom that thou inquirest concerning this.

ThomsonFor thou hast not inquired wisely concerning this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance; and it is an advantage to them who see the sun,

BrentonWisdom is good with an inheritance: and there is an advantage by it to them that see the sun.

GreekἈγαθὴ σοφία μετὰ κληρονομίας, καὶ περίσσεια τοῖς θεωροῦσι τὸν ἥλιον.

KJVWisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

JPSWisdom is good with an inheritance, Yea, a profit to them that see the sun.

Thomsonthat they are in the shade of it. Wisdom is like the shade of money; but the advantage of the knowledge of wisdom is—it will give life to him who is a follower of it.

BrentonFor wisdom in its shadow is as the shadow of silver: and the excellence of the knowledge of wisdom will give life to him that has it.

GreekὍτι ἐν σκιᾷ αὐτῆς ἡ σοφία ὡς σκιὰ ἀργυρίου, καὶ περίσσεια γνώσεως τῆς σοφίας ζωοποιήσει τὸν παρʼ αὐτῆς.

KJVFor wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

JPSFor wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it.

ThomsonContemplate the works of God; for who can make him straight whom God hath made crooked.

BrentonBehold the works of God: for who shall be able to straighten him whom God has made crooked?

GreekἼδε τὰ ποιήματα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὅτι τίς δυνήσεται κοσμῆσαι ὃν ἂν ὁ Θεὸς διαστρέψῃ αὐτόν;

KJVConsider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

JPSConsider the work of God; for who can make that straight, which He hath made crooked?

ThomsonIn the days of prosperity enjoy good; but consider in the day of adversity—consider that God hath made the one in due proportion to the other, forming a whole, as hath been said, that man cannot find out any of His ways.

BrentonIn the day of prosperity live joyfully, and consider in the day of adversity: consider, I say, God also has caused the one to agree with the other for this reason, that man should find nothing after him.

GreekἘν ἡμέρᾳ ἀγαθωσύνης ζῆθι ἐν ἀγαθῷ, καὶ ἴδε ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κακίας· ἴδε, καί γε σὺν τούτῳ συμφώνως τοῦτο ἐποίησεν ὁ Θεὸς περὶ λαλιᾶς, ἵνα μὴ εὕρῃ ἄνθρωπος ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ οὐδέν.

KJVIn the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

JPSIn the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; God hath made even the one as well as the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

ThomsonIn the days of my vanity I took a view of all classes. Here is a righteous man perishing for his righteous act: there is a wicked man continuing in his wickedness.

BrentonI have seen all things in the days of my vanity: there is a just man perishing in his justice, and there is an ungodly man remaining in his wickedness.

GreekΣύμπαντα εἶδον ἐν ἡμέραις ματαιότητός μου· ἐστὶ δίκαιος ἀπολλύμενος ἐν δικαίῳ αὐτοῦ, καί ἐστιν ἀσεβὴς μένων ἐν κακίᾳ αὐτοῦ.

KJVAll things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.

JPSAll things have I seen in the days of my vanity; there is a righteous man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his evil-doing.

Thomson—

BrentonBe not very just; neither be very wise: lest thou be confounded.

GreekΜὴ γίνου δίκαιος πολὺ, μηδὲ σοφίζου περισσὰ, μή ποτε ἐκπλαγῇς.

KJVBe not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?

JPS—

Thomson—

BrentonBe not very wicked; and be not stubborn: lest thou shouldest die before thy time.

GreekΜὴ ἀσεβήσῃς πολὺ, καὶ μὴ γίνου σκληρὸς, ἵνα μὴ ἀποθάνῃς ἐν οὐ καιρῷ σου.

KJVBe not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

JPSBe not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish; why shouldest thou die before thy time?

ThomsonIt is good to restrain thyself in the one case; and surely for the other consideration thou shouldst not pollute thy hand. Because to them who fear God all things may happen,

BrentonIt is well for thee to hold fast by this; also by this defile not thine hand: for to them that fear God all things shall come forth well.

GreekἈγαθὸν τὸ ἀντέχεσθαί σε ἐν τούτῳ, καί γε ἀπὸ τούτου μὴ μιάνῃς τὴν χεῖρά σου, ὅτι φοβουμένοις τὸν Θεὸν ἐξελεύσεται τὰ πάντα.

KJVIt is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

JPSIt is good that thou shouldest take hold of the one; yea, also from the other withdraw not thy hand; for he that feareth God shall discharge himself of them all.

Thomsonwisdom will help the wise man more than ten mighty men who are in the city.

BrentonWisdom will help the wise man more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

GreekἩ σοφία βοηθήσει τῷ σοφῷ ὑπὲρ δέκα ἐξουσιάζοντας τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τῇ πόλει.

KJVWisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

JPSWisdom is a stronghold to the wise man more than ten rulers that are in a city.

ThomsonBecause there is not a righteous man on earth who will do good and not commit sin,

BrentonFor there is not a righteous man in the earth, who will do good, and not sin.

GreekὍτι ἄνθρωπος οὐκ ἔστι δίκαιος ἐν τῇ γῇ, ὃς ποιήσει ἀγαθὸν καὶ οὐχ ἁμαρτήσεται.

KJVFor there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

JPSFor there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

Thomsontherefore thou shouldst not pay too close attention to all the words which the wicked shall utter, that thou mayst not hear thy servant cursing thee.

BrentonAlso take no heed to all the words which ungodly men shall speak; lest thou hear thy servant cursing thee.

GreekΚαί γε εἰς πάντας λόγους οὓς λαλήσουσιν ἀσεβεῖς, μὴ θῇς καρδίαν σου, ὅπως μὴ ἀκούσῃς τοῦ δούλου σου καταρωμένου σε.

KJVAlso take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:

JPSAlso take not heed unto all words that are spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee;

Thomson—

BrentonFor many times he shall trespass against thee, and repeatedly shall he afflict thine heart; for thus also hast thou cursed others.

GreekὍτι πλειστάκις πονηρεύσεταί σε, καὶ καθόδους πολλὰς κακώσει καρδίαν σου, ὅτι ὡς καί γε σὺ κατηράσω ἑτέρους.

KJVFor oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

JPSfor oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

ThomsonHaving proved all these things by wisdom, I said, Let me investigate the cause. But that was far removed from me; farther than it was. It is indeed a deep depth, who can find it out?

BrentonAll these things have I proved in wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

GreekΠάντα ταῦτα ἐπείρασα ἐν σοφίᾳ· εἶπα, σοφισθήσομαι· καὶ αὕτη ἐμακρύνθη ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ.

KJVAll this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

JPSAll this have I tried by wisdom; I said: ‘I will get wisdom’; but it was far from me.

Thomson—

BrentonThat which is far beyond what was, and a great depth, who shall find it out?

GreekΜακρὰν ὑπὲρ ὃ ἦν, καὶ βαθὺ βάθος, τίς εὑρήσει αὐτό;

KJVThat which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?

JPSThat which is far off, and exceeding deep; who can find it out?

ThomsonI took a circuit with my heart to know and examine carefully and to seek wisdom and a mode of calculating, and to gain a knowledge of a particular folly and disquietude and madness of one destitute of the fear of God; and I find and can declare,

BrentonI and my heart went round about to know, and to examine, and to seek wisdom, and the account of things, and to know the folly and trouble and madness of the ungodly man.

GreekἘκύκλωσα ἐγὼ καὶ ἡ καρδία μου τοῦ γνῶναι καὶ τοῦ κατασκέψασθαι καὶ τοῦ ζητῆσαι σοφίαν καὶ ψῆφον, καὶ τοῦ γνῶναι ἀσεβοῦς ἀφροσύνην καὶ ὀχληρίαν καὶ περιφοράν.

KJVI applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:

JPSI turned about, and applied my heart to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason of things, and to know wickedness to be folly, and foolishness to be madness;

ThomsonThat bitterer than death is that whole class of women who are prostitutes. Though their heart is nets and their hands chains, he who is good in the sight of God shall be delivered from them; but a sinner shall be taken by them.

BrentonAnd I find her to be, and I will pronounce to be more bitter than death the woman which is a snare, and her heart nets, who has a band in her hands: he that is good in the sight of God shall be delivered from her; but the sinner shall be caught by her.

GreekΚαὶ εὑρίσκω ἐγὼ αὐτὴν, καὶ ἐρῶ πικρότερον ὑπὲρ θάνατον· σὺν τὴν γυναῖκα ἥτις ἐστι θήρευμα, καὶ σαγῆναι καρδία αὐτῆς, δεσμὸς εἰς χεῖρας αὐτῆς· ἀγαθὸς πρὸ προσώπου τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐξαιρεθήσεται ἀπʼ αὐτῆς, καὶ ἁμαρτάνων συλληφθήσεται ἐν αὐτῇ.

KJVAnd I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

JPSand I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands; whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

ThomsonBehold this I found (said the preacher)

BrentonBehold, this have I found, said the Preacher, seeking by one at a time to find out the account,

GreekἼδε τοῦτο εὗρον, εἶπεν ὁ Ἐκκλησιαστής· μία τῇ μιᾷ τοῦ εὑρεῖν λογισμὸν,

KJVBehold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:

JPSBehold, this have I found, saith Koheleth, adding one thing to another, to find out the account;

Thomsonexamining them one by one to find a class which my soul earnestly sought, but I did not find; though I found one man of a thousand, yet a woman among all these I did not find.

Brentonwhich my soul sought after, but I found not: for I have found one man of a thousand; but a woman in all these I have not found.

Greekὃν ἐπεζήτησεν ἡ ψυχή μου, καὶ οὐχ εὗρον· καὶ ἄνθρωπον ἕνα ἀπὸ χιλίων εὗρον, καὶ γυναῖκα ἐν πᾶσι τούτοις οὐχ εὗρον.

KJVWhich 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.

JPSwhich yet my soul sought, but I found not; one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

ThomsonBut behold this I found, that God made mankind upright; but they have sought out many subterfuges.

BrentonBut, behold, this have I found, that God made man upright; but they have sought out many devices. Who knows the wise? and who knows the interpretation of a saying?

GreekΠλὴν ἴδε τοῦτο εὗρον, ὃ ἐποίησεν ὁ Θεὸς σὺν τὸν ἄνθρωπον εὐθῆ· καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐζήτησαν λογισμοὺς πολλούς. Τίς οἶδε σοφοὺς, καὶ τίς οἶδε λύσιν ῥήματος;

KJVLo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

JPSBehold, this only have I found, that God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.