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Ecclesiastes 9:17

WisdomWords and speech

15 Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.

16 And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”

The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

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Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools.
KJV
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
WEB
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools.
ASV
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
DARBY
The words of the wise are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
BLB
The words of the wise are heeded in quiet over the shout of a ruler among fools.
ÅB
De vises ord som høres i ro, er bedre enn rop fra en hersker blant dårene.
OTB
De stille ordene fra de vise skal bli hørt mer enn ropene fra en hersker blant dårer.
B1930
De vises ord som høres i ro, er bedre enn rop fra en hersker blandt dårene.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • James 3:17–18

    But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

    Read in context

  • Proverbs 28:23

    He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

    Read in context

  • James 1:20

    for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

    Read in context

  • Isaiah 42:2

    He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets.

    Read in context

  • Genesis 41:33–40

    Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt.

    Read in context

  • 1 Samuel 7:3–6

    Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

    Read in context