Ecclesiastes 7:10
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Say not you, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Say not you, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Say not, Why were the days which have gone by better than these? Such a question comes not from wisdom.
Webster's Revision
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.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
Clarke's Ecclesiastes 7:10 Bible Commentary
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."
Wesley's Ecclesiastes 7:10 Bible Commentary
7:10 Better - More quiet and comfortable. For this is an argument of a mind unthankful for the many mercies, which men enjoy even in evil times.For - This question shews thy folly in contending with thy Lord and governor, in opposing thy shallow wit to his unsearchable wisdom.