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Ecclesiastes 12:10

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

Ecclesiastes 12:10 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the preacher is described as seeking out "acceptable words" and writing "words of truth". This conveys the importance of speaking and writing with care and integrity. The preacher is striving to communicate in a way that is pleasing and meaningful to the audience, while also ensuring that the message is based on truth. By emphasizing the need for both acceptability and truthfulness in communication, this verse encourages individuals to be mindful of their words and to prioritize honesty and integrity in all forms of expression. It serves as a reminder that words hold power and should be used thoughtfully and responsibly. Overall, this verse highlights the significance of speaking with wisdom and conveying truths that are upright and genuine.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse from Ecclesiastes 12:10 emphasizes the importance of using words that are truthful and upright. The preacher in this passage is seeking to communicate in a way that is both acceptable and honest. This reflects the biblical teaching on the power of words to build up or tear down, to convey wisdom or deceive. The pursuit of truth in communication is seen as a virtue in the Bible, as emphasized by passages such as Proverbs 12:22 which states that "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight." This verse serves as a reminder to believers to be mindful of the words they speak, ensuring that they are not only acceptable to others but also aligned with the truth of God's Word.

Ecclesiastes 12:10 in other translations

American Standard Version

The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written uprightly, [even] words of truth.

World English Bible

The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth.

Douay-Rheims

He sought profitable words, and wrote words most right, and full of truth.

Geneva Bible (1599)

The Preacher sought to finde out pleasant wordes, and an vpright writing, euen the wordes of trueth.