Definition: And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all [things] that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 1:13. It's a really interesting and slightly philosophical statement about life! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that humans are meant to actively explore and understand everything happening around them – all the things that go on in the world. It’s like saying we’re given a big, complicated puzzle to figure out. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all [things] that are done under heaven” : This is the key part. "Seek and search out" means to look, to investigate, to try to understand. “By wisdom” means to use your intelligence and understanding to find answers. "All things that are done under heaven” refers to everything – from the smallest actions to the biggest events in the world. It's a broad scope! “This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.” : This is a little more poetic. “Sore travail” means a difficult or challenging task. "God gave" suggests that this exploration isn’t just something we should do, but something He has intentionally provided for us. “Exercised therewith” means to use it – to put your efforts into understanding and doing things related to these things. Putting it all together: The verse is essentially saying: "We are given the opportunity to understand everything that’s happening in the world through our minds and thoughts. It's a big, ongoing task – we need to actively engage with life and try to learn about it." What does this mean for us today? It encourages us to be curious and engaged in our lives. It suggests that there’s value in thinking deeply about the world around us, rather than just passively accepting things as they are. It's a reminder that life is full of challenges – and that understanding them is important. Important Note: Ecclesiastes was written long ago (around the 1st century BC) and it’s often interpreted as a reflection on the human condition. It doesn’t necessarily mean we always have to be actively trying to understand everything. It's more about the importance of thoughtful consideration. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Discuss its connection to other parts of the Bible? Talk about what it might mean in a modern context (e.g., how we can use this idea)?