So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. So I set my mindThe phrase "set my mind" indicates a deliberate and intentional effort. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "נתתי" (natati), which conveys the idea of giving or placing one's heart or mind towards something. This reflects a conscious decision by the author, traditionally understood to be Solomon, to engage deeply with the subjects of his inquiry. In a spiritual context, this suggests the importance of intentionality in our pursuit of understanding and truth, reminding us that wisdom requires dedication and focus. to know wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "חכמה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of knowledge in life. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with a godly perspective, implying that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Solomon's quest to know wisdom reflects a desire to understand life from a divine viewpoint, seeking insights that transcend mere human understanding. and madness and folly
The terms "madness" (שגעון, shega'on) and "folly" (סכלות, siklut) represent the opposite of wisdom. Madness can imply irrationality or senselessness, while folly suggests foolishness or a lack of good judgment. By exploring these concepts, Solomon is acknowledging the full spectrum of human experience and understanding. This exploration highlights the futility of human endeavors apart from God, as madness and folly lead to chaos and meaninglessness. I learned that this, too
The phrase "I learned" indicates a process of discovery and realization. The Hebrew root "ידע" (yada) means to know or perceive, often through experience. Solomon's journey is not merely academic; it is experiential, suggesting that true understanding often comes through living and reflecting on life's complexities. The phrase "this, too" implies that even the pursuit of wisdom, when done apart from God, can lead to the same emptiness as folly. is a pursuit of the wind
The imagery of "a pursuit of the wind" (רעיון רוח, re'ayon ruach) conveys the idea of chasing something elusive and unattainable. Wind, in its nature, cannot be caught or held, symbolizing the futility and transience of human efforts without divine purpose. This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of human wisdom and the need for reliance on God. It underscores the theme of Ecclesiastes: that life, when lived solely under the sun and apart from God, is ultimately meaningless. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His exploration of wisdom, madness, and folly reflects his quest for understanding life's purpose. 2. JerusalemThe central place of Solomon's reign and the setting for much of his reflection and teaching. It serves as the backdrop for his philosophical and theological inquiries. 3. WisdomIn the context of Ecclesiastes, wisdom refers to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, often associated with Solomon's own quest for meaning. 4. Madness and FollyThese terms represent the opposite of wisdom, indicating irrationality and foolishness. Solomon explores these to understand their impact on human life. 5. The WindA metaphor used throughout Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting and elusive nature of human endeavors and understanding. Teaching Points The Limitations of Human WisdomSolomon's pursuit of wisdom, madness, and folly reveals the limitations of human understanding. True wisdom comes from God, and human efforts alone are insufficient to grasp life's ultimate meaning. The Futility of Earthly PursuitsThe metaphor of "chasing the wind" illustrates the futility of seeking fulfillment in worldly knowledge and experiences. Believers are reminded to focus on eternal values rather than temporary achievements. The Importance of Divine PerspectiveUnderstanding life from a divine perspective helps believers navigate the complexities of wisdom and folly. Seeking God's guidance leads to true fulfillment and purpose. Balancing Knowledge and FaithWhile knowledge is valuable, it must be balanced with faith and trust in God. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom that aligns with God's will and purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's pursuit of wisdom, madness, and folly reflect the human quest for meaning in today's world? 2. In what ways can the metaphor of "chasing the wind" be applied to modern pursuits of success and knowledge? 3. How does the fear of the Lord serve as the foundation for true wisdom, according to Proverbs 1:7, and how can this be applied in our daily lives? 4. How can believers discern between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 1:20-25? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our pursuit of knowledge and understanding is aligned with God's purposes and not merely a "pursuit of the wind"? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 1:7This verse highlights the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, contrasting the pursuit of wisdom with folly. It provides a foundation for understanding Solomon's exploration in Ecclesiastes. James 1:5This New Testament verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, emphasizing divine wisdom over human understanding. 1 Corinthians 1:20-25Paul discusses the wisdom of the world versus the wisdom of God, echoing Solomon's realization of the limitations of human wisdom. People David, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Applied, Chasing, Desire, Folly, Foolish, Getting, Heart, Learned, Madness, Mind, Myself, Perceived, Realized, Spirit, Striving, Understanding, Vexation, Wind, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes Ecclesiastes 1:17 5401 madness
8674 study Ecclesiastes 1:13-17 5853 experience, of life Ecclesiastes 1:16-17 4019 life, believers' experience Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 5028 knowledge, God source of human Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 5916 pessimism Library Two views of Life
'This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man, to be exercised therewith.--ECCLES. i. 13. 'He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.'--HEBREWS xii. 10. These two texts set before us human life as it looks to two observers. The former admits that God shapes it; but to him it seems sore travail, the expenditure of much trouble and efforts; the results of which seem to be nothing beyond profitless exercise. There is an immense activity and nothing to show for it at the end …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureWhat Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Past and the Future
'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall he; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.'--ECCLES. i. 9. 'That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles.'--l PETER iv. 2, 3. If you will look at these two passages carefully you will, I think, see that they imply two different, and in some respects …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Eusebius' Birth and Training. His Life in Cæsarea Until the Outbreak of the Persecution.
Our author was commonly known among the ancients as Eusebius of Cæsarea or Eusebius Pamphili. The former designation arose from the fact that he was bishop of the church in Cæsarea for many years; the latter from the fact that he was the intimate friend and devoted admirer of Pamphilus, a presbyter of Cæsarea and a martyr. Some such specific appellation was necessary to distinguish him from others of the same name. Smith and Wace's Dictionary of Christian Biography mentions 137 …
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History Introduction to vita S. Antoni.
(Written between 356 and 362) The Life of St. Antony is included in the present collection partly on account of the important influence it has exercised upon the development of the ascetic life in the Church, partly and more especially on the ground of its strong claim to rank as a work of Athanasius. If that claim were undisputed, no apology would be needed for its presence in this volume. If on the other hand its spurious and unhistorical character had been finally demonstrated, its insertion would …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius "And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Literature.
In making the following thread to the rich literature on Constantine the plan has been to confine almost wholly to Monographs, since to refer to all histories, encyclopædias, and the like which treat of him would be endless. Only such few analyzed references are introduced as have special reasons. Even with this limit it cannot be at all hoped that the list is exhaustive. Considerable pains has been taken, however, to make it full, as there is no really extended modern list of works on Constantine, …
Eusebius Pamphilius—The Life of Constantine Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
It is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18; and the knowledge of him being life eternal, John xvii. 3, and our measure of knowledge of him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part, it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desirable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. Knowledge must be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christian …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ecclesiastes 1:17 NIVEcclesiastes 1:17 NLTEcclesiastes 1:17 ESVEcclesiastes 1:17 NASBEcclesiastes 1:17 KJV
Ecclesiastes 1:17 Commentaries
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