Parallel Verses
Amplified
Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
New American Standard Bible
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
King James Version
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Holman Bible
since it is not wise of you to ask this.
International Standard Version
Never ask "Why does the past seem so much better than now?" because this question does not come from wisdom.
A Conservative Version
Say thou not, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? For thou do not inquire wisely concerning this.
American Standard Version
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Bible in Basic English
Say not, Why were the days which have gone by better than these? Such a question comes not from wisdom.
Darby Translation
Say not, How is it that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Julia Smith Translation
Thou shalt not say, Why was it the former days were good above these? for thou didst not ask from wisdom concerning this
King James 2000
Say you not, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
Lexham Expanded Bible
Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For [it is] not from wisdom [that] you ask this.
Modern King James verseion
Do not say, Why was it that the former days were better than these? For you do not ask wisely in regard to this.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
Say not thou, "What is the cause that the days of the old time were better than they that be now?" For that were no wise question.
NET Bible
Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these days?" for it is not wise to ask that.
New Heart English Bible
Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.
The Emphasized Bible
Do not say, What hath happened, that, the former days, were better than these? for, not wisely, askest thou concerning this.
Webster
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
World English Bible
Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.
Youngs Literal Translation
Say not thou, 'What was it, That the former days were better than these?' For thou hast not asked wisely of this.
Interlinear
Ri'shown
Yowm
Towb
Sha'al
References
Hastings
Word Count of 20 Translations in Ecclesiastes 7:10
Verse Info
Context Readings
Wisdom'Although Vulnerable'Is Beneficial
9
Do not be eager in your heart to be angry,
For anger dwells in the heart of fools.
Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
Wisdom along with an inheritance is good
And an [excellent] advantage for those who see the sun.
Phrases
Names
Cross References
Genesis 6:11-12
The [population of the] earth was corrupt [absolutely depraved—spiritually and morally putrid] in God’s sight, and the land was filled with violence [desecration, infringement, outrage, assault, and lust for power].
Judges 6:13
But Gideon said to him, “Please my lord, if the Lord is with us, then why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wondrous works which our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian.”
Psalm 14:2-3
The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the children of men
To see if there are any who understand (act wisely),
Who [truly] seek after God, [longing for His wisdom and guidance].
Isaiah 50:1
By which I have sent your mother away, [O Israel]?
Or to which one of My creditors did I sell you [as slaves]?
In fact, You were sold for your wickedness [your sin, your injustice, your wrongdoing],
And for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
Jeremiah 44:17-19
But rather we will certainly perform every word of the vows we have made: to burn sacrifices to the
Romans 1:22-32
Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
Romans 3:9-19
Well then, are we [Jews] better off than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) are under the control of sin and subject to its power.