Ecclesiastes 9:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now there was found {H4672} in it a poor {H4542} wise {H2450} man {H376}, and he by his wisdom {H2451} delivered {H4422} the city {H5892}; yet no man {H120} remembered {H2142} that same poor {H4542} man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now there was found in it a man who was poor but wise, and by his wisdom he saved the city; yet afterwards, nobody remembered that poor man.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 9:15 presents a poignant parable illustrating the often-unjust reality of life "under the sun," where profound wisdom, though capable of delivering immense good, can be tragically overlooked and forgotten due to the humble status of its possessor. This verse encapsulates the Preacher's observations on the capricious nature of fate, the fleetingness of human recognition, and the inherent disconnect between genuine merit and societal reward, highlighting the bitter irony of human ingratitude and short-sightedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a broader discourse in Ecclesiastes (9:11-18) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, reflects on the unpredictable and often unfair nature of outcomes in a fallen world. Immediately preceding this passage, he asserts that "time and chance happeneth to them all" ([Ecclesiastes 9:11](/ecclesiastes/9-11 "Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Time and Chance")), challenging the simplistic notion that success is solely a product of strength, speed, or skill. The parable of the poor wise man serves as a concrete, vivid illustration of this principle, demonstrating how even profound wisdom can be rendered ineffective or unappreciated due to external circumstances, particularly social standing. The narrative directly leads into Qoheleth's lament in [Ecclesiastes 9:16](/ecclesiastes/9-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:16 - Wisdom Despised"), where he explicitly states, "Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard." This sequence underscores the Preacher's cynical yet realistic observation about the world's pervasive failure to properly value wisdom when it emanates from an unesteemed source.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this parable is a generic "city," typical of ancient Near Eastern urban centers that frequently faced threats from sieges, natural disasters, or internal crises. In such societies, social status, inherited wealth, and military prowess were traditionally the primary determinants of influence, authority, and public remembrance. The concept of a "poor man" (Hebrew: *misken*) possessing significant wisdom, let alone single-handedly delivering a city from peril, would have been highly counter-cultural and unexpected. Wisdom was typically associated with kings, royal advisors, scribes, or respected elders, who generally held positions of power and material abundance. The narrative subtly critiques a societal structure that prioritizes outward appearance and material possessions over intrinsic worth and intellectual contribution. The profound lack of remembrance for the poor wise man reflects a common human tendency, prevalent in all ages, to overlook or quickly forget those who lack social capital, even when their contributions are monumental and life-saving.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 9:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **practical efficacy of wisdom** itself, demonstrating its unparalleled utility in a crisis, even when other resources like strength or wealth fail. The wisdom of one individual proves more potent than collective might in saving the city. Secondly, it highlights the pervasive theme of **human futility and injustice** "under the sun," as the man's profound contribution is met with ingratitude and oblivion. This challenges conventional notions of justice and reward, a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes, which often observes that the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **ephemeral nature of human renown** and the **disconnect between merit and recognition**. Despite his heroic act, the poor man's lack of social standing leads to his immediate forgetfulness, reinforcing the Preacher's consistent message that earthly achievements and accolades are ultimately "vanity" ([Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")). Finally, it touches on the theme of **social prejudice**, where poverty and low status overshadow genuine worth, echoing the broader wisdom literature's concern for the poor and marginalized, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **poor (Hebrew, _miçkên'_):** Derived from a root suggesting indigence or destitution, this term emphasizes the man's extreme lack of material possessions, influence, and societal respect. It highlights his humble and marginalized social standing, making his wisdom-driven deliverance of the city all the more remarkable and his subsequent forgetfulness all the more poignant and unjust.
* **wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This word denotes one possessing practical skill, insightful intelligence, and effective discernment. It refers to a deep, practical wisdom that is capable of solving real-world problems and navigating complex situations, rather than mere theoretical knowledge. The juxtaposition of "poor" and "wise" creates a powerful paradox, emphasizing that true, life-saving wisdom is not bound by social or economic status.
* **remembered (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root means "to mark so as to be recognized," implying not just the act of recalling from memory but also acknowledging, honoring, and preserving the public memory or legacy of someone. The statement "no man remembered" signifies a complete absence of public recognition, gratitude, or lasting legacy, underscoring the profound ingratitude, short-sightedness, and self-serving nature of the city's inhabitants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there was found in it a poor wise man":** This opening clause introduces the central figure of the parable, immediately emphasizing his paradoxical nature: his low social status ("poor") contrasted with his exceptional intellectual and practical capacity ("wise"). The phrase "there was found" suggests his obscurity prior to the crisis, indicating he was not a prominent or well-known figure in the city.
* **"and he by his wisdom delivered the city":** This clause reveals the man's crucial, life-saving act. It explicitly states that it was his "wisdom" (Hebrew: *chokmâh*), not military strength, political power, or accumulated wealth, that brought about the city's salvation. This highlights the extraordinary power and practical efficacy of true wisdom in a time of dire need, proving its supreme value.
* **"yet no man remembered that same poor man":** This final clause delivers the tragic and ironic punchline of the parable. Despite his monumental and indispensable contribution, the city's inhabitants failed to acknowledge, honor, or even recall his existence. The repetition of "poor man" underscores that his low status likely contributed significantly to this collective amnesia, revealing a profound and disheartening human tendency towards ingratitude and a focus on superficial markers of worth rather than genuine merit.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 9:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its poignant and sobering message. The primary device is **Parable** or **Illustrative Narrative**, as the verse presents a concise, hypothetical story designed to embody a larger philosophical truth about life's pervasive injustices and the fleeting nature of human recognition. **Irony** is central to the verse: the very wisdom that saves the city is overlooked and forgotten precisely because of the humble social standing of its possessor. This creates a stark and painful contrast between the profound, life-altering impact of the man's actions and the complete lack of lasting recognition he receives. There is also a strong element of **Paradox** in the figure of the "poor wise man," whose external circumstances (poverty and obscurity) fundamentally contradict his internal capacity (profound wisdom and efficacy). This juxtaposition highlights the Preacher's observation that true value is often found in unexpected places and is frequently unappreciated by the world. Finally, the repetition of "poor man" at the beginning and end of the verse serves as a subtle form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition for Emphasis**, powerfully reinforcing the tragic and unjust connection between his poverty and his forgotten legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 9:15 offers a sobering theological reflection on the nature of human justice and the limitations of earthly recognition. It profoundly challenges the simplistic notion that good deeds are always rewarded or remembered by humanity, revealing the inherent brokenness, ingratitude, and superficiality prevalent in human society. The Preacher's observation points to a world where merit often goes unrecognized, and where the intrinsic value of wisdom is frequently overshadowed by fleeting considerations like wealth or social status. This theme implicitly points to a higher, divine justice, suggesting that true worth and ultimate remembrance do not depend on human accolades, which are transient and unreliable, but on God's perfect knowledge, righteous judgment, and eternal memory. The verse compels us to consider where true value lies and to whom ultimate recognition belongs, shifting our focus from fleeting earthly praise to an eternal, divine perspective.

* [Proverbs 27:21](/proverbs/27-21 "The Crucible of Praise")
* [Luke 17:17-18](/luke/17-17-18 "The Ten Lepers")
* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "God Chooses the Foolish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The parable of the poor wise man in Ecclesiastes 9:15 serves as a powerful mirror, reflecting both the often-unjust realities of the world and the profound call to re-evaluate our own values and motivations. It compels us to consider whether we, like the inhabitants of the city, are prone to overlooking wisdom and valuable contributions when they come from unexpected or unesteemed sources, perhaps due to our own biases or societal conditioning. This verse encourages a radical reorientation of our priorities, urging us to seek and appreciate wisdom for its intrinsic value and practical efficacy, regardless of who possesses it or what their social standing may be. For those who serve, whether in ministry, community, or daily life, it offers a poignant reminder that earthly recognition is fleeting, often absent, and ultimately unreliable. This should prompt us to find our motivation and satisfaction not in human applause, but in the act of selfless service itself, trusting that ultimate reward and remembrance belong to God alone. It is a profound call to cultivate genuine gratitude, to intentionally remember and honor those unsung heroes whose contributions may go unnoticed by the masses, and to serve faithfully, knowing that our true audience is divine, not merely human.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like the city's inhabitants, inadvertently overlook or undervalue wisdom that comes from humble or unexpected sources?**
* **How does this verse challenge my expectations about receiving recognition and reward for my good deeds or contributions?**
* **What truly motivates my service or contributions – the desire for human praise and recognition, or the intrinsic value of the act itself and the glory of God?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and intentionally remember and honor those who have contributed to my well-being or the well-being of my community, even if they are "unseen" or unheralded?**

### FAQ

**What is the main message of Ecclesiastes 9:15?**

Answer: The main message of Ecclesiastes 9:15 is the profound irony and inherent injustice often found in human society: that genuine wisdom and significant, even city-saving, contributions, particularly when they come from those of low social standing, are frequently overlooked, unappreciated, and ultimately forgotten by humanity. It highlights the stark disconnect between true merit and worldly recognition, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human fame and gratitude.

**Does this verse suggest that wisdom is useless if it's not recognized?**

Answer: No, the verse does not suggest that wisdom is useless. On the contrary, it explicitly states that the poor wise man *delivered* the city by his wisdom, demonstrating its immense practical power and efficacy in a time of crisis. The point is not that wisdom itself is useless, but that human beings are often ungrateful, short-sighted, and prejudiced, failing to remember or honor the source of their deliverance, especially if that source lacks social status. The intrinsic value and power of wisdom remain, even if human recognition is absent, as further emphasized in [Ecclesiastes 7:12](/ecclesiastes/7-12 "Ecclesiastes 7:12 - Wisdom is a Defense").

**How does this verse relate to the overall theme of "vanity" in Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: This verse strongly reinforces the overarching theme of "vanity" (Hebrew: *hebel*), which refers to the fleeting, elusive, and often meaningless nature of earthly pursuits and achievements when viewed apart from God. The fact that a city-saving act of profound wisdom could be so quickly forgotten by its beneficiaries vividly illustrates the "hebel" of human remembrance and reputation. It shows that even the most impactful human achievements are ultimately transient and unreliably appreciated in the eyes of humanity, contributing to the Preacher's consistent conclusion that true satisfaction and lasting meaning must be found beyond the realm of "under the sun" experiences, ultimately pointing to a life lived in reverence for God, as hinted in [Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Conclusion of the Whole Matter").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 9:15 finds its most profound and redemptive Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Like the poor wise man, Jesus came into the world not with earthly power, social prestige, or kingly pomp, but in humble circumstances, born in a manger in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Birth of Jesus")). He taught with unparalleled wisdom, speaking words of life and truth that astonished His listeners and confounded His adversaries ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority")). Yet, despite His divine wisdom and the miraculous deliverance He offered—not merely a city from physical peril, but all humanity from the bondage of sin and eternal death—He was largely unrecognized, misunderstood, and ultimately rejected by His own people ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own")). The world "remembered" Him primarily to crucify Him, despising His humble appearance and unconventional kingship ([Isaiah 53:2-3](/isaiah/53-2-3 "Isaiah 53:2-3 - Suffering Servant")). However, unlike the forgotten wise man, Jesus' ultimate remembrance and vindication came not from fickle human acclaim but from God the Father, who raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to the highest place, ensuring that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")). His sacrifice, though seemingly forgotten or dismissed by many, is eternally remembered by God and forms the bedrock of salvation for all who believe, revealing a wisdom and power far superior to any earthly deliverance ([1 Corinthians 1:23-24](/1_corinthians/1-23-24 "1 Corinthians 1:23-24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 40:23

Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

Ecclesiastes 4:13

¶ Better [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

Esther 6:2

And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

Esther 6:3

And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

2 Samuel 20:22

Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast [it] out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

Ecclesiastes 2:16

For [there is] no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now [is] in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise [man]? as the fool.