Definition: And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books [there is] no end; and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 12:12. It’s a really beautiful and thoughtful piece about living a good life! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: “Don’t obsess over accumulating books or studying everything all the time. There’s a point where it becomes tiring and ultimately doesn’t bring true happiness.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “And further, by these, my son…” This refers to our father (or guide) – which is God in this context. It's talking about something important for us as humans. “…be admonished…” – The verse is giving a warning or instruction. “…of making many books [there is] no end…” This means that too much focus on knowledge, accumulation of things, or trying to understand everything can become overwhelming and eventually pointless. It’s like trying to gather every single piece of information in the world – it doesn't really add up to a fulfilling life. It suggests there’s a limit to how much understanding we need. “and much study [is] a weariness of the flesh.” This is the core of the message. “Weariness of the flesh” means that studying and trying to understand everything can be physically tiring, exhausting, and ultimately lead to unhappiness or dissatisfaction. It’s not about being lazy , but rather about recognizing that constant striving for knowledge without purpose can be a burden. So, what does this verse mean practically? It encourages us to: Focus on what truly matters: Don't get so caught up in learning or accumulating things that you neglect the most important aspects of life – relationships, love, serving God and others, and experiencing joy. Balance your time: It suggests a healthy balance is needed – enough to learn but not too much . In short, it’s a call for contentment and focusing on what truly brings fulfillment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with an example? Discuss its relevance to modern life?