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And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness…

“And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” quote by Ecclesiastes
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““And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.””

Ecclesiastes

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage observes that greater wisdom brings greater sorrow, implying that knowledge can be a source of distress.

In simple terms: More knowledge can lead to more sorrow.

Key Takeaway

Balance the pursuit of wisdom with emotional well‑being.

Themes

wisdom grief knowledge

Mood

melancholic thoughtful

Type

biblical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal study
  • mental health counseling
  • academic research
  • spiritual reflection

Key Concepts

philosophy existentialism biblical literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can all knowledge cause grief?
  • How can one mitigate sorrow from learning?
A Different Perspective

The claim may not hold for all types of knowledge.

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