Ecclesiastes 1:13

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

I gave

This sore

General references

Ecclesiastes 3:10

Bible References

I gave

And I set my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I realized that this too is a futile grasping and chasing after the wind.

I turned around and directed my heart to know, to investigate and to seek [skillful and godly] wisdom and the reason for things, and to know that wickedness is folly and that foolishness is madness [leading to stupidity and recklessness].

All this I have seen while applying my mind to every deed that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has exercised power over others to their detriment.

Great are the works of the Lord,
Studied by all those who delight in them.

So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];

“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]!
And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].

He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire,
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

My son, give me your heart
And let your eyes delight in my ways,

Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all.

This sore

I have seen the task which God has given to the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

I have seen that every [effort in] labor and every skill in work comes from man’s rivalry with his neighbor. This too is vanity (futility, false pride) and chasing after the wind.

But beyond this my son, [about going further than the words given by one Shepherd], be warned: the writing of many books is endless [so do not believe everything you read], and excessive study and devotion to books is wearying to the body.

“By the sweat of your face
You will eat bread
Until you return to the ground,
For from it you were taken;
For you are dust,
And to dust you shall return.”

General references

I have seen the task which God has given to the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.