Ecclesiastes 9:16

Then said I, Wisdom is better than might: although the poor man's wisdom is held in contempt, and his words are not heard.

Leeser Tanakh

In The King James Version

Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

In Context

15But there was found in it a poor wise man, and he delivered the city by his wisdom; yet no man had thought of that same poor man.

17The words of wise men heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 9

Cross References

Proverbs 10:15The wealth of the rich man is his strong town: the terror of the poor is their poverty.

Proverbs 24:5A wise man is [always] in power; and a man of knowledge fortifieth [his] strength.

Ecclesiastes 9:18Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner causes much good to be lost.

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 →

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Study Ecclesiastes 9:16