Ecclesiastes 1:18

Modern

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.

Traditional

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Literal

For with an abundance of wisdom is much grief, and he who adds to knowledge adds to sorrow.

Latin

…eo quod in multa sapientia multa sit indignatio; et qui addit scientiam, addit et laborem.

Hebrew

English

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.

The Teacher examines how wisdom, work, and pleasure relate to each other.

Job 28:28
And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
Ecclesiastes 12:12–13
And by these, my son, be further warned: There is no end to the making of many books, and much study wearies the body.
1 Corinthians 3:18–20
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.
Ecclesiastes 7:16
Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
James 3:13–17
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 2:23
Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
Ecclesiastes 2:15
So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile.