Definition: Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 7:29. It's a really thought-provoking one! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that humans are capable of doing good and making things beautiful, but they often focus on creating things instead of focusing on God’s purpose for us. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Lo, this only have I found…” - “Lo” is a slightly emphatic word that adds a bit of weight to what's being said. It’s like saying "This is the only thing I’ve discovered." “…that God hath made man upright…” – "God hath made man upright" means that God designed us with a good, moral nature - a sense of rightness and goodness. "...but they have sought out many inventions.” - "They" refers to humans. “Inventions” here means creating things – building things, designing patterns, making things, etc. It’s about trying to make something new or better than what already exists. So, the whole verse is saying: Humans are naturally good and capable of creating beautiful things. However, they often get lost in trying to invent more and more complex things – sometimes without a clear understanding of why we're doing it or what God wants us to do. What’s the message? The verse is a gentle warning against being overly focused on our own creations. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from focusing on God's will - living a life of righteousness and serving Him. It encourages us to use our talents and abilities for God, not to something else entirely. In short: It’s a reminder that while we can create things, it's important to remember our purpose is to glorify God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how humans might get lost in invention? Or perhaps explore another Bible passage that deals with the balance between creation and worship?