Chiasm

Ecclesiastes 7:20–26

Ecclesiastes 7:20–264 matched frames

Read down to the center, where the pattern turns; then rise back out through its mirror.

A 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
- B 21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
  - C 22-23a For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. All this have I proved by wisdom:
    - D 23b I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
    - D' 24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
  - C' 25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
- B' 26a And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands:
A' 26b whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.