Ecclesiastes 7:23
Ecclesiastes 7:23-25 The Message (MSG)
I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me, far beyond me, and deep—oh so deep! Does anyone ever find it? 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.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 King James Version (KJV)
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 New Century Version (NCV)
I used wisdom to test all these things. I wanted to be wise, but it was too hard for me.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 American Standard Version (ASV)
All this have I proved in wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 New International Version (NIV)
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise”— but this was beyond me.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 New King James Version (NKJV)
All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, “I will be wise”; But it was far from me.
Ecclesiastes 7:23 Amplified Bible (AMP)
I have tested all this with wisdom. I said, “I will be wise [independently of God],” but true wisdom was far from me.