TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ecclesiastes 9:13–18. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon still recommends wisdom to us as necessary to the preserving of our peace and the perfecting of our business, notwithstanding the vanities and crosses which human affairs are subject to. He had said (Ecc 9:11), Bread is not always to the wise; yet he would not therefore be thought either to disparage, or to discourage, wisdom, no, he still retains his principle, that wisdom excels folly as much as light excels darkness (Ecc 2:13), and we ought to love and embrace it, and be governed by it, for the sake of its own intrinsic worth, and the capacity it gives us of being serviceable to others, though we ourselves should not get wealth and preferment by it. This wisdom, that is, this which he here describes, wisdom which enables a man to serve his country out of pure affection to its interests, when he himself gains no advantage by it, no, not so much as thanks for his pains, or the reputation of it, this is the wisdom which, Solomon says, seemed great unto him, Ecc 9:13. A public spirit, in a private sphere, is wisdom which those who understand things that differ cannot but look upon as very magnificent.
I.Solomon here gives an instance, which probably was a case in fact, in some neighbouring country, of a poor man who with his wisdom did great service in a time of public distress and danger (Ecc 9:14): There was a little city (no great prize, whoever was master of it); there were but few men within it, to defend it, and men, if men of fortitude, are the best fortifications of a city; here were few men, and, because few, feeble, fearful, and ready to give up their city as not tenable. Against this little city a great king came with a numerous army, and besieged it, either in pride, or covetousness to possess it, or in revenge for some affront given him, to chastise and destroy it. Thinking it stronger than it was, he built great bulwarks against it, from which to batter it, and doubted not but in a little time to make himself master of it. What a great deal of unjust vexation do ambitious princes give to their harmless neighbours! This great king needed not fear this little city; why then should he frighten it? It would be little profit to him; why then should he put himself to such a great expense to gain it? But as unreasonable and insatiably greedy as little people sometimes are to lay house to house, and field to field, great kings often are to lay city to city, and province to province, that they may be placed alone in the earth, Isa 5:8. Did victory and success attend the strong? No; there was found in this little city, among the few men that were in it, one poor wise man - a wise man, and yet poor, and not preferred to any place of profit or power in the city; places of trust were not given to men according to their merit, and meetness for them, else such a wise man as this would not have been a poor man. Now,
1.Being wise, he served the city, though he was poor. In their distress they found him out (Jdg 11:7) and begged his advice and assistance; and he by his wisdom delivered the city, either by prudent instructions given to the besieged, directing them to some unthought-of stratagem for their own security, or by a prudent treaty with the besiegers, as the woman at Abel, Sa2 20:16. He did not upbraid them with the contempt they had put upon him, in leaving him out of their council, nor tell them he was poor and had nothing to lose, and therefore cared not what became of the city; but he did his best for it, and was blessed with success. Note, Private interests and personal resentments must always be sacrificed to public good and forgotten when the common welfare is concerned.
2.Being poor, he was slighted by the city, though he was wise and had been an instrument to save them all from ruin: No man remembered that same poor man; his good services were not taken notice of, no recompence was made him, no marks of honour were put upon him, but he lived in as much poverty and obscurity as he had done before. Riches were not to this man of understanding, nor favour to this man of skill. Many who have well-merited of their prince and country have been ill-paid; such an ungrateful world do we live in. It is well that useful men have a God to trust to, who will be their bountiful rewarder; for, among men, great services are often envied and rewarded with evil for good.
II.From this instance he draws some useful inferences, looks upon it and receives instruction.
1.Hence he observes the great usefulness and excellency of wisdom, and what a blessing it makes men to their country: Wisdom is better than strength, Ecc 9:16. A prudent mind, which is the honour of a man, is to be preferred before a robust body, in which many of the brute creatures excel man. A man may by his wisdom effect that which he could never compass by his strength, and may overcome those by out-witting them who are able to overpower him. Nay, wisdom is better than weapons of war, offensive or defensive, Ecc 9:18. Wisdom, that is, religion and piety (for the wise man is here opposed to a sinner), is better than all military endowments or accoutrements, for it will engage God for us, and then we are safe in the greatest perils and successful in the greatest enterprises. If God be for us, who can be against us or stand before us?
2.Hence he observes the commanding force and power of wisdom, though it labour under external disadvantages (Ecc 9:17): The words of wise men are heard in quiet; what they speak, being spoken calmly and with deliberation (though, not being rich and in authority, they dare not speak aloud nor with any great assurance), will be hearkened to and regarded, will gain respect, nay, will gain the point, and sway with men more than the imperious clamour of him that rules among fools, who, like fools, chose him to be their ruler, for his noise and blustering, and, like fools, think he must by those methods carry the day with every body else. A few close arguments are worth a great many big words; and those will strike sail to fair reasoning who will answer those that hector and insult according to their folly. How forcible are right words! What is spoken wisely should be spoken calmly, and then it will be heard in quiet and calmly considered. But passion will lessen the force even of reason, instead of adding any force to it.
3.Hence he observes that wise and good men, notwithstanding this, must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or at least attempted it, and offered at it, when they cannot do the good they would do nor have the praise they should have. Wisdom capacitates a man to serve his neighbours, and he offers his service; but, alas! if he be poor his wisdom is despised and his words are not heard, Ecc 9:16. Many a man is buried alive in poverty and obscurity who, if he had but fit encouragement given him, might be a great blessing to the world; many a pearl is lost in its shell. But there is a day coming when wisdom and goodness shall be in honour, and the righteous shall shine forth.
4.From what he had observed of the great good which one wise and virtuous man may do he infers what a great deal of mischief one wicked man may do, and what a great deal of good he may be the hindrance of: One sinner destroyeth much good.
(1.)As to himself, a sinful condition is a wasteful condition. How many of the good gifts both of nature and Providence does one sinner destroy and make waste of - good sense, good parts, good learning, a good disposition, a good estate, good meat, good drink, and abundance of God's good creatures, all made use of in the service of sin, and so destroyed and lost, and the end of giving them frustrated and perverted! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good.
(2.)As to others, what a great deal of mischief may one wicked man do in a town or country! One sinner, who makes it his business to debauch others, may defeat and frustrate the intentions of a great many good laws and a great deal of good preaching, and draw many into his pernicious ways; one sinner may be the ruin of a town, as one Achan troubled the whole camp of Israel. The wise man who delivered the city would have had his due respect and recompence for it but that some one sinner hindered it, and invidiously diminished the service. And many a good project, well laid for the public welfare, had been destroyed by some one subtle adversary to it. The wisdom of some would have healed the nation, but, through the wickedness of a few, it would not be healed. See who are a kingdom's friends and enemies, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"This,
too, I have observed about wisdom under the sun, and it affected me profoundly:
there was a small town with only a few inhabitants; and a mighty king came upon
it and surrounded it, and built great siege works over it. Present in the city was a poor wise man who
by his wisdom saved the town. Yet no one
remembered that poor man. "While some people say that all things are
uncertain, and that the righteous have no more than the wicked, I see even the
greatest wisdom in this verse, because it happens repeatedly that there is a
small township with only a few inhabitants, and it is surrounded by an army of
a very powerful enemy, and the people inside is killed by the siege and by
hunger. And suddenly and unexpectedly a
poor man is found, who has more wisdom than all the rich men, than all those
powerful and pompous men who are in danger, and who fear the siege. And he thinks, seeks and finds an answer as
to how the town might be saved from the oppressors. But O ungrateful oblivion of men, after they
were freed from bondage and released from captivity, and the freedom was given
back to the fatherland, no one remembers that wise old man, no one gives thanks
for their salvation, but all show honour to the rich, who were able to do
nothing to help when in time of danger.
My Hebrew tutor interpreted this passage differently: the small town, he
says, is man, who even amongst learned men is called less clean. And the few men in the town, are the members
by which the man shields and covers himself.
But when a great king comes against it, that is the devil, and he
searches for a place by which he might break through, and in the town is found
a poor and wise man, that is the calm thought of that man on the inside, and
that is what saves the town, which is surrounded and besieged by the enemy. And the man has been saved from danger, or
persecution, or disaster, or any other kind of adverse sin. But that man on the outside, who is the enemy
of the wise and poor man on the inside, he does not remember the poor man, nor
does he remember his promises, but yet enjoys his freedom. Differently: the small town and the few
inhabitants in it is the Church in comparison to the whole world. And the great king the devil often comes against
it, not because he is great, but because he thought to be great, and he surrounds
the Church with a siege or persecution, or with another kind of disaster. He finds in it a poor man who is wise, that
is our Lord Jesus Christ, who was made poor for us and is wisdom itself. And that poor man frees the town with his
wisdom. How many times do we see a
reclining lion in a trap with rich men, this is with the politicians and
leaders of our time, who come against the Church, but fail at the wisdom of
that poor man? And when this poor man
has won and the town is restored to peace, scarcely anyone remembers him,
scarcely any of his requests are heard, but giving in to all indulgence and
pleasure, the inhabitants seek riches that are not necessary.
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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), 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, 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). 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
What is the main message of Ecclesiastes 9:15?
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?
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.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of "vanity" in Ecclesiastes?
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.
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). He taught with unparalleled wisdom, speaking words of life and truth that astonished His listeners and confounded His adversaries (Matthew 7:28-29). 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). The world "remembered" Him primarily to crucify Him, despising His humble appearance and unconventional kingship (Isaiah 53:2-3). 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). 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).