Ecclesiastes 1:17 - Common English Bible

But when I set my mind to understand wisdom, and also to understand madness and folly, I realized that this too was just wind chasing.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

And I gave my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I perceived that this also is a searching after wind and a feeding on it. [I Thess. 5:21.]

American Standard Version (1901)

And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind.

Catholic Public Domain Version

And I have dedicated my heart, so that I may know prudence and doctrine, and also error and foolishness. Yet I recognize that, in these things also, there is hardship, and affliction of the spirit.