Ecclesiastes 9:16
And so, I declared that wisdom is better than strength. But how is it, then, that the wisdom of the poor man is treated with contempt, and his words are not heeded?
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
In Context
17The words of the wise are heard in silence, more so than the outcry of a prince among the foolish.
Cross References
Proverbs 10:15The substance of the rich is the city of his strength. The fear of the poor is their destitution.
Proverbs 24:5A wise man is strong, and a well-taught man is robust and valiant.
Ecclesiastes 9:18Wisdom is better than weapons of war. And whoever offends in one thing, shall lose many good things.
Mark 6:2And when the Sabbath arrived, he began to teach in the synagogue. And many, upon hearing him, were amazed at his doctrine, saying: “Where did this one get all these things?” and, “What is this wisdom, which has been given to him?” and, “Such powerful deeds, which are wrought by his hands!”
John 9:24Therefore, they again called the man who had been blind, and they said to him: “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.”
James 2:2For if a man has entered your assembly having a gold ring and splendid apparel, and if a poor man has also entered, in dirty clothing,
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 9:14-18
The Advantages of Wisdom. 13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: 14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. 16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. 17 The words of… Read the whole commentary →