Ecclesiastes 7:20

Ecclesiastes 7:19–24

Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and doesn’t sin. Also don’t take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you; for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others. All this I have proved in wisdom. I said, “I will be wise;” but it was far from me. That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?

Context note · editorial

The Teacher observes that no human being does good without ever sinning. Nearby reflections acknowledge the limits of wisdom and urge humility in judging others, placing moral imperfection within a sober view of shared humanity.