Ecclesiastes 9:18
16 And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”
17 The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
- KJV
- Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
- WEB
- Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.
- ASV
- Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good.
- DARBY
- Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good.
- BLB
- Better wisdom than weapons of war, and one sinner can destroy much good.
- ÅB
- Visdom er bedre enn krigsvåpen, men en synder kan ødelegge meget godt.
[^1]: Ingen kan av de ytre omstendigheter med sikkerhet slutte seg til Guds velbehag eller mishag med ham selv eller andre.
[^2]: de rettferdige og vise. - OTB
- Visdom overgår krigsvåpen, men en enkelt synder kan ødelegge mye godt.
- B1930
- Visdom er bedre enn krigsvåben, men en synder kan ødelegge meget godt.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Joshua 7:1
The Israelites, however, acted unfaithfully regarding the things devoted to destruction. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart. So the anger of the LORD burned against the Israelites.
Read in contextJoshua 7:11–12
Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions.
Read in contextJoshua 7:5
And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
Read in context2 Timothy 2:16–18
But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
Read in contextEcclesiastes 9:16
And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”
Read in context2 Timothy 4:3–4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
Read in contextTitus 1:10–11
For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision,
Read in context2 Timothy 3:8
Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.
Read in context