World English Bible
"I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind."
— Ecclesiastes 1:17, World English Bible
“And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.”
“And I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also was a striving after wind. ”
“So I decided to discern the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolish behavior and ideas; however, I concluded that even this endeavor is like trying to chase the wind!”
“And I have given my heart to know prudence, and learning, and errors, and folly: and I have perceived that in these also there was labour, and vexation of spirit,”
“And I gave my heart to getting knowledge of wisdom, and of the ways of the foolish. And I saw that this again was desire for wind.”
“And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.”
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.
That which is crooked can't be made straight; and that which is lacking can't be counted.
I said to myself, "Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge."
I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.
For in much wisdom is much grief; and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.