Ecclesiastes 9:16
Ecclesiastes 9:16 in Multiple Translations
And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Then I said, Wisdom is better than strength, but the poor man's wisdom is not respected, and his words are not given a hearing.
As I've always said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” Yet the wisdom of that poor man was dismissed—people didn't pay attention to what he said.
Then said I, Better is wisdome then strength: yet the wisedome of the poore is despised, and his wordes are not heard.
And I said, 'Better [is] wisdom than might, and the wisdom of the poor is despised, and his words are not heard.' —
Then I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Then said I, wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
And I said that wisdom is better than strength: how then is the wisdom of the poor man slighted, and his words not heard?
So I realized that although being wise is better than being strong, if you are poor, no one will appreciate what you do, and people will soon forget what you said.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 9:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 9:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתִּי
אָ֔נִי
טוֹבָ֥ה
חָכְמָ֖ה
מִ/גְּבוּרָ֑ה
וְ/חָכְמַ֤ת
הַ/מִּסְכֵּן֙
בְּזוּיָ֔ה
וּ/דְבָרָ֖י/ו
אֵינָ֥/ם
נִשְׁמָעִֽים
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אָ֔נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
טוֹבָ֥ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
מִ/גְּבוּרָ֑ה
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
might
Prep | N-fs
וְ/חָכְמַ֤ת
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
Conj | N-fs
הַ/מִּסְכֵּן֙
miçkên
H4542
poor
Art | Adj
בְּזוּיָ֔ה
bâzâh
H959
to despise
V-Qal-Inf-c
וּ/דְבָרָ֖י/ו
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אֵינָ֥/ם
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
נִשְׁמָעִֽים
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Niphal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 9:16
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָ֔נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
טוֹבָ֥ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
חָכְמָ֖ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
מִ/גְּבוּרָ֑ה
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
"might"
Prep | N-fs
This word means strength, might, or power, like God's mighty power in Psalm 111:6. It can describe a person's bravery or the strength of an action, as in the mighty deeds of God in Psalm 145:11.
Definition: 1) strength, might 1a) strength 1b) might, valour, bravery 1c) might, mighty deeds (of God) Aramaic equivalent: ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1370)
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. See also: Exodus 32:18; Psalms 71:18; Psalms 20:7.
וְ/חָכְמַ֤ת
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
Conj | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
הַ/מִּסְכֵּן֙
miçkên
H4542
"poor"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means being poor or needy, often referring to someone who lacks necessities. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms. God cares for the poor.
Definition: poor, poor man
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: poor (man). See also: Ecclesiastes 4:13; Ecclesiastes 9:15; Ecclesiastes 9:16.
בְּזוּיָ֔ה
bâzâh
H959
"to despise"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To despise or hold in contempt, as seen in Proverbs where it warns against despising wisdom. It can also mean to be despised or worthless, as in the case of a vile person.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, disdain 1a) (Qal) to despise, regard with contempt 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be despised 1b2) to be despicable 1b3) to be vile, worthless 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to despise Also means: ba.zoh (בָּזֹה "to despise" H0960)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), [phrase] think to scorn, vile person. See also: Genesis 25:34; Psalms 102:18; Psalms 15:4.
וּ/דְבָרָ֖י/ו
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֵינָ֥/ם
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
נִשְׁמָעִֽים
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Niphal-Inf-c
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 9:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 9:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:16
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:16
Context — Wisdom Is Better than Strength
14There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it.
15Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.
16And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”
17The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. 18Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:19 | Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city. |
| 2 | Proverbs 24:5 | A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:22 | A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. |
| 4 | Mark 6:2–3 | When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these ideas?” they asked. “What is this wisdom He has been given? And how can He perform such miracles? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him. |
| 5 | James 2:2–6 | Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 | Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence. |
| 7 | Proverbs 10:15 | The wealth of the rich man is his fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 9:18 | Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. |
| 9 | John 7:47–49 | “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees. “Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law, they are under a curse.” |
| 10 | John 9:24–34 | So a second time they called for the man who had been blind and said, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “Whether He is a sinner I do not know. There is one thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!” “What did He do to you?” they asked. “How did He open your eyes?” He replied, “I already told you, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” Then they heaped insults on him and said, “You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses. We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” “That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do no such thing.” They replied, “You were born in utter sin, and you are instructing us?” And they threw him out. |
Ecclesiastes 9:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that being wise and smart is more important than being strong or powerful, as we see in Proverbs 24:5-6. Unfortunately, the wisdom of people who don't have a lot of money or status is often ignored or disrespected. We should try to listen to and appreciate the wisdom of everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, and seek wisdom from God as encouraged in James 1:5. By doing so, we can learn to value wisdom over strength and status.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'the wisdom of the poor man is despised'?
This phrase suggests that even though the poor man's wisdom may be valuable, it is often overlooked or undervalued by others, much like the prophet Amos was rejected by the people of Israel in Amos 7:10-17, or how Jesus was despised and rejected by men, as stated in Isaiah 53:3.
Why are 'the calm words of the wise' heeded more than 'the shouts of a ruler among fools'?
This is because wisdom and calmness are often more persuasive and effective than loud, boastful words, as seen in Proverbs 15:1, which says 'A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger'
How can we apply the principle that 'wisdom is better than strength' in our own lives?
We can apply this principle by seeking wisdom from God through prayer and scripture, such as in James 1:5, which says 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him'
What does it mean that 'his words are not heeded'?
This means that the poor man's wise words are ignored or disregarded by others, much like the prophet Jeremiah's words were ignored by the people of Judah in Jeremiah 7:27
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I seen wisdom triumph over strength in my own life or in the lives of others?
- How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the wisdom of those who may be overlooked or undervalued by society?
- What are some ways that I can seek wisdom from God and apply it to my everyday life, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:6?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth with the need to speak calmly and gently, as seen in Proverbs 15:1?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:16
Then said I, wisdom [is] better than strength,.... Wisdom of mind, even in a poor man, is better than strength of body, even of the, most potent prince and powerful army, as may be concluded from the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:16
Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. Wisdom is better than strength - resuming the sentiment in Ecclesiastes 7:19.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:16
Wisdom is better than strength, as was manifest in the foregoing instance. The poor man’ s wisdom is despised, because men are generally vain and foolish, and have a greater value for outward ornaments than for true worth.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:16
Ecclesiastes 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’ s wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard.Ver. 16. Then said I, Wisdom is better, &c.] This he had said before, but now upon this new occasion. Nunquam satis dicitur, quod nunquam satis discitur. Nevertheless the poor man’ s wisdom is despised.] Jerome reads it thus, Et sapientia pauperis quae despecta est, et verba eius quae non sunt audita; that is, And the wisdom of the poor man which is despised, and his words which are not heard. According to which reading, the sense is, wisdom is better than strength, yea, even the despised wisdom of the poor man, &c. The Septuagint and Vulgate read it, Quomodo ergo sapientia pauperis contempta est et verba eius non audita! How therefore is the wisdom of the wise man despised, and his words not heard! As making a wonder and a strange thing of it. Too often it befalls God’ s poor ministers, either to be rejected with scorn, or if heard, yet not regarded, much less rewarded, unless it be as Micaiah was by Ahab, and Jeremiah by his countrymen of Anathoth, Jesus Christ by the proud Pharisees, St Paul by the ungrateful Corinthians; "His bodily presence," said they, "is weak," his sermons without philosophy and rhetoric. Seneca.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:16
Verse 16. The poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.] I cannot help pursuing this illustration a little farther. The soldier who found Archimedes busily employed in drawing figures upon the sand, put to him some impertinent question, withal rudely obtruding himself on his operations. To whom this wonderful mathematician replied, "Stand off, soldier, and do not spoil my diagram;" on which the bloody savage struck him dead!
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:16
16. Wisdom is better than strength] The maxim of ch. Ecclesiastes 7:19 is reproduced, but it is traversed by the fact that the wisdom must often be content to remain unrecognised. The power of the purse too often prevails against the wisdom of the poor. At the best, often, in words already quoted (Ecclesiastes 9:11), “Probitas laudatur et alget.”“Virtue is praised, and left out in the cold.”Juvenal, Sat. i. 74. The marginal reference in the A. V. to Mark 6:2-3 is not without significance as indicating the highest illustration of the maxim, in the question which asked “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is he not himself a carpenter?” The chief butler’s forgetfulness of Joseph (Genesis 40:23) supplies another obvious parallel.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:16
16. Wisdom is despised — In this instance, favour did not come to the man of skill. One can hardly avoid adding, though it is foreign to Koheleth’s present line of thought, that wisdom is largely its own conscious reward.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When Tears Come to a Religious Man's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a story from Luke Chapter 7 where Jesus is dining at the house of a man named Simon. The preacher highlights how Simon, a religious man, fai |
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Somebody Prayed (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of compassion and the importance of caring for others. He mentions how reading the book of Mark helped him understand the tears of |
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Evangelism and the Layman #1 by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel with others. He highlights the contrast between selling products and sharing the message of salvation. T |
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(In the Word) 15 - the World in the Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the word of God and not being swayed by old traditions or wrong teachings. He urges the listeners to |
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A Stick and a One Line Sermon by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching the lost for the sake of Christ and giving one's life as a living sacrifice for God's causes. The preacher refers |
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A Frail but Honest Testimony by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. He highlights the simplicity of Christianity and the need for belie |
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Holding on to Your Confidence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing confidence in God. He reads from Hebrews 10:35, which encourages believers to have patience and trust in God's p |