the Third Week after Easter
Click here to learn more!
Read the Bible
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Ecclesiastes 7:10
Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
- BridgewayEncyclopedias:
- InternationalDevotionals:
- EveryParallel Translations
Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” since it is not wise of you to ask this.
Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
Say not, "Why were the former days better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
Do not say, "Why is it that the former days were better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
Don't ask, "Why was life better in the ‘good old days'?" It is not wise to ask such questions.
Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.
Say not thou, Why is it that the former dayes were better then these? for thou doest not enquire wisely of this thing.
Do not say, "Why is it that the former days were better than these?"For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is unwise of you to ask about this.
It isn't wise to ask, "Why is everything worse than it used to be?"
Don't ask why the old days were better than now, because that is a foolish question.
Say not, How is it that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Don't say, "Life was better in the ‘good old days.' What happened?" Wisdom does not lead us to ask that question.
Say not, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? For you do not enquire wisely concerning this.
Never ask, "Oh, why were things so much better in the old days?" It's not an intelligent question.
Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
Do not say, Why was it that the former days were better than these? For you do not ask from wisdom concerning this.
Saye not thou: What is the cause that ye dayes of ye olde tyme were better, then they yt be now? for that were no wyse question.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Say not, Why were the days which have gone by better than these? Such a question comes not from wisdom.
Say not thou: 'How was it that the former days were better than these?' for it is not out of wisdom that thou inquirest concerning this.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former dayes were better then these? For thou doest not enquire wisely concerning this.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the dayes of the old time were better then they that be nowe? for that were no wyse question.
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger will rest in the bosom of fools.
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Seie thou not, What gessist thou is of cause, that the formere tymes weren betere than ben now? for whi siche axyng is fonned.
Don't say, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
Say not thou, What is [the cause] that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these days?" for it is not wise to ask that.
Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
Don't long for "the good old days." This is not wise.
Do not say, "Why were the days of the past better than these?" For it is not wise to ask this.
Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
(7-11) Say not: What thinkest thou is the cause that former times were better than they are now? for this manner of question is foolish.
Say not, "Why were the former days better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
Say not thou, `What was it, That the former days were better than these?' For thou hast not asked wisely of this.
Don't always be asking, "Where are the good old days?" Wise folks don't ask questions like that.
Do not say, "Why is it that the former days were better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
Contextual Overview
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
What: Judges 6:13, Jeremiah 44:17-19
wisely: Heb. out of wisdom, Genesis 6:11, Genesis 6:12, Psalms 14:2, Psalms 14:3, Isaiah 50:1, Romans 1:22-32, Romans 3:9-19
Reciprocal: Genesis 24:54 - Send me 1 Samuel 25:10 - there be Ecclesiastes 1:9 - that hath
Cross-References
And, I, behold me! bringing in the flood - even waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh wherein is the spirit of life, from under the heavens, - everything that is in the earth, shall cease to breathe:
For in seven days more, I, am sending rain on the earth, forty days and forty nights, - so will I wipe out all the living things which I have made, from off the face of the ground.
And it came to pass, that the flood was forty days on the earth, - and the waters increased and bare up the ark, and it was lifted high above the earth,
fifteen cubits upwards, prevailed the waters, so that the mountains became covered.
Who were snatched away before the time, and, a stream, washed away their foundation?
They were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, - until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
Say not thou, what is [the cause] that the former days were better than these?.... This is a common opinion, that in all ages prevails among men, that former times were better than present ones; that trade flourished more, and men got more wealth and riches, and lived in greater ease and plenty; and complain that their lot is cast in such hard times, and are ready to lay the blame upon the providence of God, and murmur at it, which they should not do;
for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this: this is owing to ignorance of former times; which, if rightly inquired into, or the true knowledge of them could be come at, it would appear that they were no better than the present; and that there were always bad men, and bad things done; frauds, oppressions, and violence, and everything that can be complained of now: or if things are worse than they were, this should be imputed to the badness of men; and the inquirer should look to himself, and his own ways, and see if there is not a cause there, and study to redeem the time, because the days are evil; and not arraign the providence of God, and murmur at that, and quarrel with it; as if the distributions of it were unequal, and justice not done in one age as in another
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Ecclesiastes 7:10. The former days were better than these? — This is a common saying; and it is as foolish as it is common. There is no weight nor truth in it; but men use it to excuse their crimes, and the folly of their conduct. "In former times, say they, men might be more religious, use more self-denial, be more exemplary." This is all false. In former days men were wicked as they are now, and religion was unfashionable: God also is the same now as he was then; as just, as merciful, as ready to help: and there is no depravity in the age that will excuse your crimes, your follies, and your carelessness.
Among the oriental proverbs I find the following:
"Many say, This is a corrupt age. This mode of speaking is not just; it is not the age that is corrupt, but the men of the age."
