18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 1:18

King James Version

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

English Standard Version

18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

The Message

18 Much learning earns you much trouble. The more you know, the more you hurt.

New King James Version

18 For in much wisdom is much grief, And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

New Living Translation

18 The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:18

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

(Read Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)

Solomon tried all things, and found them vanity. He found his searches after knowledge weariness, not only to the flesh, but to the mind. The more he saw of the works done under the sun, the more he saw their vanity; and the sight often vexed his spirit. He could neither gain that satisfaction to himself, nor do that good to others, which he expected. Even the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom discovered man's wickedness and misery; so that the more he knew, the more he saw cause to lament and mourn. Let us learn to hate and fear sin, the cause of all this vanity and misery; to value Christ; to seek rest in the knowledge, love, and service of the Saviour.