Ecclesiastes 7:23

I have examined all this by wisdom; I said, “I am determined ¹  to comprehend this” ²  – but it was beyond my grasp. ³ 

All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"—but this was beyond me.

I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, "I will be wise," but it was far from me.

All along I have tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, "I am determined to be wise." But it didn’t really work.

I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me,

All this I have put to the test by wisdom; I said, I will be wise, but it was far from me.

All this I have tested by wisdom; I said, "I will be wise," but it was far from me.

All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, "I will be wise"; But it was far from me.

I have examined all this by wisdom; I said, “I am determined ¹  to comprehend this” ²  – but it was beyond my grasp. ³ 

¹ tn The cohortative אֶחְכָּמָה (’ekhkamah, from חָכַם, khakham,“to be wise”) emphasizes the resolve (determination) of Qoheleth to become wise enough to understand the perplexities of life.

² tn Or “I am determined to become wise”

³ tn Or “but it eluded me”; Heb “but it was far from me.”