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.

Then said {H559} I, Wisdom {H2451} is better {H2896} than strength {H1369}: nevertheless the poor man's {H4542} wisdom {H2451} is despised {H959}, and his words {H1697} are not heard {H8085}.

So, although I say that wisdom is better than strength, nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised; nobody pays attention to what he says.

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.

This verse from Ecclesiastes offers a sharp observation on the inherent value of wisdom contrasted with the unfortunate reality of social prejudice, particularly concerning the poor.

Context

Following reflections on how time and chance affect everyone and the often-overlooked power of small acts (Ecclesiastes 9:11-15), the Preacher reasserts the superiority of wisdom. However, this verse immediately introduces a cynical counterpoint: while wisdom itself is powerful, its effectiveness in the real world can be hindered by the social standing of the one who possesses it. It highlights a disconnect between intrinsic value and perceived worth based on status.

Key Themes

  • The Superiority of Wisdom: Reaffirming the principle that wisdom is more effective and valuable than brute force or power ("strength").
  • Social Inequality and Bias: A critical observation that the counsel or insight of a person is often judged not by its content, but by the person's social or economic status.
  • The Marginalized Voice: The lament that the poor, despite potentially possessing great wisdom, are often ignored, their words "despised, and... not heard."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is chokmah, which encompasses practical skill, insight, and understanding, not just theoretical knowledge. "Strength," gevurah, refers to power or might. The contrast is between effective strategy/insight and raw capability. The term "despised," bazah, carries the meaning of treating with contempt or disdain, indicating an active rejection or devaluation of the poor person's words.

Reflection and Application

This verse presents a timeless challenge to societal norms. It warns against the folly of allowing prejudice or social status to blind us to valuable insight. The "poor man's wisdom" being ignored is a loss not just to the individual, but to the community that fails to benefit from good counsel. It encourages us to cultivate humility and discernment, to listen to wisdom regardless of the source, and to recognize the potential for valuable contributions from all members of society, especially those often marginalized.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:19

    Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] which are in the city.

  • Proverbs 24:5

    A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

  • Proverbs 21:22

    ¶ A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

  • Mark 6:2

    And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing [him] were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom [is] this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

  • Mark 6:3

    Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

  • James 2:2

    For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

  • James 2:6

    But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

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