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The Bible

Ecclesiastes 1:18 (English-KJV)

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Greater understanding is described as bringing more sorrow, rather than uncomplicated happiness. Knowing more can mean becoming aware of troubles that ignorance leaves unseen. The parallel clauses make that cost hard to avoid: wisdom expands perception, but it may also enlarge the burden a person carries.

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