◄ Ecclesiastes 1:16 ►
I said to myself, "Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem, and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge."
Study Bible
I said to myself
This phrase indicates an introspective moment, a common literary device in wisdom literature where the speaker reflects on personal experiences and insights. It suggests a deep, personal contemplation, often seen in the writings of Solomon, who is traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes. This internal dialogue sets the stage for the exploration of wisdom and its limitations.

Behold, I have grown and increased in wisdom
The speaker claims a significant accumulation of wisdom, which aligns with the biblical portrayal of Solomon, who was renowned for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34). This wisdom was a divine gift, as Solomon famously asked God for an understanding heart to govern the people (1 Kings 3:9-12). The phrase underscores the theme of human pursuit of wisdom and the recognition of its ultimate insufficiency without divine perspective.

beyond all those before me who were over Jerusalem
This reference to predecessors in Jerusalem suggests a historical context, likely pointing to the kings who ruled before Solomon. Jerusalem, as the political and spiritual center of Israel, was significant in biblical history. The claim of surpassing previous rulers in wisdom highlights the unique position of the speaker, traditionally Solomon, whose wisdom was unparalleled in his time.

and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge
The observation of wisdom and knowledge indicates an empirical approach, where the speaker has actively engaged with and studied the world. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). The accumulation of knowledge is portrayed as vast, yet Ecclesiastes ultimately questions the value of wisdom without a relationship with God, foreshadowing the New Testament revelation of Christ as the embodiment of divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. It serves as a backdrop for Solomon's reign and his reflections on wisdom.

3. Wisdom
A central theme in Ecclesiastes, wisdom is portrayed as both a divine gift and a human pursuit. Solomon's quest for wisdom is a key element of his account.
Teaching Points
The Pursuit of Wisdom
Solomon's pursuit of wisdom is commendable, yet it also reveals the limitations of human understanding without divine perspective. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, recognizing its ultimate source.

The Limitations of Human Achievement
Despite Solomon's achievements, he acknowledges the futility of wisdom without God. This teaches us to prioritize spiritual wisdom over worldly accomplishments.

Self-Reflection and Humility
Solomon's introspection serves as a model for believers to examine their own lives and motivations, fostering humility and dependence on God.

The Role of Experience in Wisdom
Solomon's experiences contributed to his wisdom, reminding us that life experiences, when viewed through a biblical lens, can be valuable teachers.

The Temporal Nature of Earthly Wisdom
Earthly wisdom is temporary and limited. Believers are encouraged to seek eternal wisdom found in Christ and Scripture.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's claim to wisdom in Ecclesiastes 1:16 challenge or affirm your understanding of wisdom?

2. In what ways can the pursuit of wisdom become an idol, and how can we guard against this in our lives?

3. How does the fear of the Lord as described in Proverbs 1:7 relate to Solomon's pursuit of wisdom in Ecclesiastes?

4. Reflect on a personal experience that has contributed to your understanding of wisdom. How does this align with biblical teachings?

5. How can James 1:5 guide us in seeking wisdom today, and what practical steps can we take to apply this in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 3:12
This passage describes God granting Solomon unparalleled wisdom, which connects to his claim in Ecclesiastes 1:16 of surpassing all who were before him in wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7
Highlights the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, providing a foundation for understanding the pursuit of wisdom in Ecclesiastes.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, linking the divine source of wisdom to Solomon's experience.
Sermons
The Experience of Wisdom and KnowledgeW. D. Horwood.Ecclesiastes 1:16
The Wisdom, of Self-CommunionC. R. Panter, LL. D.Ecclesiastes 1:16
Speculative Study of the WorldJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
The Vanity of Human WisdomD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
People
David, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abundantly, Acquired, Added, Anyone, Behold, Communed, Estate, Experience, Experienced, Gained, Gotten, Grown, Heart, Increased, Jerusalem, Magnified, Mind, Myself, Observed, Obtained, Ruled, Saying, Spake, Spoke, Surpassing, Wealth, Wisdom, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 1:16

     5716   middle age
     8367   wisdom, importance of

Ecclesiastes 1:13-16

     5776   achievement

Ecclesiastes 1:13-17

     5853   experience, of life

Ecclesiastes 1:16-17

     4019   life, believers' experience

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18

     5028   knowledge, God source of human

Library
Two views of Life
'This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man, to be exercised therewith.--ECCLES. i. 13. 'He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.'--HEBREWS xii. 10. These two texts set before us human life as it looks to two observers. The former admits that God shapes it; but to him it seems sore travail, the expenditure of much trouble and efforts; the results of which seem to be nothing beyond profitless exercise. There is an immense activity and nothing to show for it at the end …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Past and the Future
'The thing that hath been, it is that which shall he; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.'--ECCLES. i. 9. 'That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles.'--l PETER iv. 2, 3. If you will look at these two passages carefully you will, I think, see that they imply two different, and in some respects …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eusebius' Birth and Training. His Life in Cæsarea Until the Outbreak of the Persecution.
Our author was commonly known among the ancients as Eusebius of Cæsarea or Eusebius Pamphili. The former designation arose from the fact that he was bishop of the church in Cæsarea for many years; the latter from the fact that he was the intimate friend and devoted admirer of Pamphilus, a presbyter of Cæsarea and a martyr. Some such specific appellation was necessary to distinguish him from others of the same name. Smith and Wace's Dictionary of Christian Biography mentions 137 …
Eusebius Pamphilius—Church History

Introduction to vita S. Antoni.
(Written between 356 and 362) The Life of St. Antony is included in the present collection partly on account of the important influence it has exercised upon the development of the ascetic life in the Church, partly and more especially on the ground of its strong claim to rank as a work of Athanasius. If that claim were undisputed, no apology would be needed for its presence in this volume. If on the other hand its spurious and unhistorical character had been finally demonstrated, its insertion would …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his Commandments. "
1 John ii. 3.--"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." This age pretends to much knowledge beyond former ages, knowledge, I say, not only in other natural arts and sciences, but especially in religion. Whether there be any great advancement in other knowledge, and improvement of that which was, to a further extent and clearness, I cannot judge, but I believe there is not much of it in this nation, nor do we so much pretend to it. But, we talk of the enlargements of …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Literature.
In making the following thread to the rich literature on Constantine the plan has been to confine almost wholly to Monographs, since to refer to all histories, encyclopædias, and the like which treat of him would be endless. Only such few analyzed references are introduced as have special reasons. Even with this limit it cannot be at all hoped that the list is exhaustive. Considerable pains has been taken, however, to make it full, as there is no really extended modern list of works on Constantine, …
Eusebius Pamphilius—The Life of Constantine

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,(1) saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ; and they teach us how far we must imitate His life and character, if we seek true illumination, and deliverance from all blindness of heart. Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they frequently hear the Gospel, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
As the cooled earth no longer permits us to understand the phenomena of primitive creation, because the fire which penetrated it is extinct, so deliberate explanations have always appeared somewhat insufficient when applying our timid methods of induction to the revolutions of the creative epochs which have decided the fate of humanity. Jesus lived at one of those times when the game of public life is freely played, and when the stake of human activity is increased a hundredfold. Every great part, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
It is a commanded duty, that we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. iii. 18; and the knowledge of him being life eternal, John xvii. 3, and our measure of knowledge of him here being but imperfect, for we know but in part, it cannot but be an useful duty, and a desirable thing, to be growing in this knowledge. This is to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be increasing in the knowledge of God, Col. i. 10. Knowledge must be added to virtue; and it layeth a ground for other Christian …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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