Albert Barnes Commentary Ecclesiastes 7:23

"All this have I proved in wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me." — Ecclesiastes 7:23 (ASV)

I will be - Or, I am. There was a time when Solomon thought himself wise enough to comprehend the work of God, and therefore needed for himself the self-humbling conviction declared in this verse.

It - that is, Wisdom. Compare Ecclesiastes 8:17.