Ecclesiastes 1:16 Meaning
I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
Context Explained
14I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
15That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
16I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
17And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
18For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Proverbs 3:7
Proverbs warns against being wise in one's own eyes, contrasting with the speaker's pride in wisdom.
1 Corinthians 8:2
Paul explains that knowledge can lead to pride, echoing the sentiment of self-importance in this verse.
Ecclesiastes 1:18
This verse connects with the idea that increased wisdom can lead to increased sorrow.
Source: Ecclesiastes 1:16