Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. New Living Translation Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise. English Standard Version Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Berean Standard Bible Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this. King James Bible Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. New King James Version Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. New American Standard Bible 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. NASB 1995 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. NASB 1977 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. Legacy Standard Bible 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. Amplified Bible Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this. Christian Standard Bible Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these? ” since it is not wise of you to ask this. Holman Christian Standard Bible Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” since it is not wise of you to ask 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. Contemporary English Version It isn't wise to ask, "Why is everything worse than it used to be?" English Revised Version Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. GOD'S WORD® Translation Don't ask, "Why were things better in the old days than they are now?" It isn't wisdom that leads you to ask this! Good News Translation Never ask, "Oh, why were things so much better in the old days?" It's not an intelligent question. International Standard Version Never ask "Why does the past seem so much better than now?" because this question does not come from wisdom. 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. Webster's Bible Translation Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleDo not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this. World English Bible Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not ask wisely about this. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionDo not say, “What was it, "" That the former days were better than these?” For you have not asked wisely of this. Young's Literal Translation Say not thou, 'What was it, That the former days were better than these?' For thou hast not asked wisely of this. Smith's Literal Translation Thou shalt not say, Why was it the former days were good above these? for thou didst not ask from wisdom concerning this. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSay not: What thinkest thou is the cause that former times were better than they are now? for this manner of question is foolish. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Do not say: How is it that former times were better than these? For it is not out of wisdom that you ask about this. New Revised Standard Version Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSay not, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? For you do not enquire wisely concerning this. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Do not say: "Why is it that the former days were better than these"?, because it is not in wisdom you ask about these things OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Say 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation Say not, What has happened, that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire in wisdom concerning this. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Value of Wisdom…9Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. 10Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this. 11Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun.… Cross References Isaiah 43:18-19 “Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old. / Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Luke 9:62 Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. / I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. Proverbs 24:14 Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Treasury of Scripture Say not you, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for you do not inquire wisely concerning this. what Judges 6:13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. Jeremiah 44:17-19 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil… wisely or out of wisdom Genesis 6:11,12 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence… Psalm 14:2,3 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God… Isaiah 50:1 Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away. Jump to Previous Better Cause Enquire Former Inquire Inquirest Question Questions Wisdom Wise WiselyJump to Next Better Cause Enquire Former Inquire Inquirest Question Questions Wisdom Wise WiselyEcclesiastes 7 1. remedies against vanity are, a good name2. mortification 7. patience 11. wisdom 23. The difficulty of wisdom Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” This phrase addresses a common human tendency to idealize the past. In the context of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (traditionally understood as Solomon) reflects on the futility of human endeavors and the limitations of human wisdom. The longing for "the old days" can be seen as a form of discontentment with the present, which is contrary to the biblical call to trust in God's sovereignty and provision. Historically, Israel experienced periods of prosperity and decline, such as the reigns of David and Solomon compared to the divided kingdom. This longing for the past can also be seen in the Israelites' complaints during their wilderness journey (Exodus 16:3), where they romanticized their time in Egypt despite its hardships. Theologically, this phrase warns against nostalgia that blinds one to God's work in the present. For it is unwise of you to ask about this. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom throughout the book. 2. Jerusalem The city where Solomon reigned as king. It serves as the backdrop for much of his wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes. 3. The Old Days A reference to past times that people often nostalgically view as better than the present. This concept is universal and timeless, reflecting a common human tendency. Teaching Points The Danger of NostalgiaNostalgia can distort our perception of the past, making it seem better than it was. This can lead to discontentment with the present and hinder our spiritual growth. Wisdom in Contentment Seeking wisdom involves being content with the present and trusting in God's plan. Contentment is a sign of spiritual maturity and reliance on God's sovereignty. Focus on the Present God calls us to live in the present, making the most of the opportunities He provides today. Dwelling on the past can prevent us from fulfilling our current responsibilities and callings. Trust in God's Sovereignty Trusting that God is in control of both the past and the present allows us to live without fear or regret. Our faith should be in His unchanging nature and His plans for our future. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:10?2. What does Ecclesiastes 7:10 teach about longing for "the former days"? 3. How can we apply Ecclesiastes 7:10 to our daily perspective on change? 4. Why does Ecclesiastes 7:10 caution against comparing past and present times? 5. How does Ecclesiastes 7:10 connect with Philippians 3:13 on forgetting the past? 6. In what ways can Ecclesiastes 7:10 encourage contentment in God's current provision? 7. What does Ecclesiastes 7:10 mean by "the former days were better than these"? 8. How does Ecclesiastes 7:10 challenge our perception of nostalgia? 9. Why does Ecclesiastes 7:10 warn against longing for the past? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 7? 11. What is the Bible's perspective on nostalgia? 12. What is the meaning of the Blood of Christ? 13. Why would a perfectly omniscient God, as implied in Hebrews 8:12, need to change from the old covenant to the new covenant if He supposedly foresaw everything from the beginning? 14. What are the answers to Bible questions? What Does Ecclesiastes 7:10 Mean Do not sayThe verse opens with a straightforward prohibition, “Do not say….” God’s Word is not offering a mild suggestion; it issues a clear command that shapes the believer’s speech and attitude. Obedience to that command recognizes the Lord’s ownership of every moment (Proverbs 3:5-6). Just as James warns against presuming on tomorrow—“You ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills’ ” (James 4:15)—Solomon forbids careless words that question God’s wisdom in arranging the times and seasons of life. “Why were the old days better than these?” • Nostalgia can feel comforting, but unchecked it rewrites history and overlooks God’s present mercies. • Israel fell into this trap: “We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt…and now our strength is gone” (Numbers 11:5-6). They forgot Egypt’s chains because memory filtered out the hardship. • Paul turns us forward: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13). • Jesus adds, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Dwelling on “better” yesterdays blinds the heart to today’s grace and tomorrow’s promise. For it is unwise of you Wisdom literature contrasts the wise, who fear the Lord, with the fool, who trusts his own perceptions (Proverbs 1:7). Calling the question “unwise” exposes it as more than harmless nostalgia—it is functional unbelief. Wisdom receives each day as assigned by a sovereign God (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11); folly imagines it could allocate times more effectively. “Teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12) redirects the focus from bygone days to purposeful living now. To ask about this The issue lies not in remembering the past but in questioning God’s goodness in the present. A wise response includes: • Gratitude: “Give thanks in every circumstance” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Stewardship: “Look carefully then how you walk…redeeming the time” (Ephesians 5:15-16). • Trust: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • Hope: “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34); the Lord already occupies every future moment. By embracing these truths, the believer stops pining for a golden past and starts investing in God’s present assignment. summary Ecclesiastes 7:10 declares, “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is unwise of you to ask about this.” The verse forbids nostalgic grumbling because it questions God’s sovereign distribution of time. Remembering the past is fine; yearning for it as superior undermines gratitude, cripples present obedience, and ignores the unchanging goodness of God. Wisdom rests in the Lord’s perfect timing, receives today as a gift, and presses forward in faith. (10) Concerning.--This preposition is used after "enquire" only in later Hebrew (Nehemiah 1:2).Verse 10. - The same impatience leads a man to disparage the present in comparison with a past age. What is the cause that the former days were better than these? He does not know from any adequate information that preceding times were in any respect superior to present, but in his moody discontent he looks on what is around him with a jaundiced eye, and sees the past through a rose-tinted atmosphere, as an age of heroism, faith, and righteousness. Horace finds such a character in the morose old man, whom he describes in 'De Arte Poet.,' 173 -"Difficilis, querulus, laudater temporis acti "Morose and querulous, praising former days "... et nisi quae terris semota suisque Hebrew Do notאַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not say, תֹּאמַר֙ (tō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Why מֶ֣ה (meh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what were הָיָ֔ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the old הָרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים (hā·ri·šō·nîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank days שֶׁ֤הַיָּמִים֙ (še·hay·yā·mîm) Pronoun - relative, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day better טוֹבִ֖ים (ṭō·w·ḇîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good than these?” מֵאֵ֑לֶּה (mê·’êl·leh) Preposition-m | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those For כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction it is unwise מֵחָכְמָ֖ה (mê·ḥā·ḵə·māh) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2451: Wisdom of you to ask שָׁאַ֥לְתָּ (šā·’al·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand about עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against this. זֶֽה׃ (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that Links Ecclesiastes 7:10 NIVEcclesiastes 7:10 NLT Ecclesiastes 7:10 ESV Ecclesiastes 7:10 NASB Ecclesiastes 7:10 KJV Ecclesiastes 7:10 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 7:10 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 7:10 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 7:10 French Bible Ecclesiastes 7:10 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 7:10 Don't say Why were the former days (Ecclesiast. 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