Ecclesiastes 9:16

KJV

Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”

American Standard Version

Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 9:16 presents a poignant and paradoxical observation on the nature of wisdom in a fallen world. While affirming the intrinsic superiority of wisdom over brute strength or power, the Preacher laments the societal reality that the wisdom of a poor or marginalized individual is often undervalued, dismissed, and unheard. This verse highlights the tension between inherent truth and its reception in a world swayed by status, demonstrating how social prejudice can impede the recognition of valuable insight, leading to a loss for both the individual and the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within a broader section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 9-10) where the Preacher, Qoheleth, reflects on the unpredictable nature of life, the common fate of all (death), and the often-unseen power of wisdom. Immediately preceding [Ecclesiastes 9:16](/ecclesiastes/9-16 "Ecclesiastes 9:16 - The Poor Man's Wisdom") is a parable (or observation) in [Ecclesiastes 9:13-15](/ecclesiastes/9-13-15 "Ecclesiastes 9:13-15 - The Wise Poor Man and the City") about a poor, wise man who saves a city but is subsequently forgotten. This narrative directly sets up the cynical yet realistic observation of verse 16, serving as a concrete illustration of the principle that wisdom, though superior, is often scorned when it comes from an unexpected or lowly source. The verse thus functions as a bitter conclusion or summary of the preceding anecdote, reinforcing Qoheleth's recurring theme of the limitations and frustrations inherent in human existence "under the sun."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, social hierarchy was pronounced. Wealth, lineage, and political power often dictated one's influence and credibility. The poor (`miçkên`) were frequently marginalized and lacked social standing, making their voices less likely to be heard in public discourse or judicial settings. Wisdom, or `chokmâh`, was highly valued, especially in the royal courts and among scribal classes, often associated with kings and elite advisors (e.g., the [proverbs of Solomon](/proverbs/25-1 "Proverbs 25:1 - Proverbs of Solomon")). However, Qoheleth's observation challenges this ideal, revealing a pragmatic and disheartening truth: even the most profound wisdom could be dismissed if its bearer lacked the requisite social capital or perceived authority. This reflects a common human tendency, regardless of era, to judge the message by the messenger's status rather than by the message's inherent merit.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it reinforces the **superiority of wisdom** as a guiding principle for life, echoing sentiments found throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13-18 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessings of Wisdom")). Secondly, it highlights the **paradox and futility** of life "under the sun," where even a universally acknowledged good like wisdom can be rendered ineffective due to human prejudice and social structures. This theme of **social injustice and the marginalization of the poor** is also prominent, as Qoheleth frequently laments the inequities he observes (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 4:1](/ecclesiastes/4-1 "Ecclesiastes 4:1 - Oppression Under the Sun")). Finally, it speaks to the **limits of human effort and influence**, suggesting that even profound wisdom cannot always overcome the entrenched biases of society, leading to a sense of resignation that permeates much of the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this term refers to wisdom in a good sense, encompassing practical skill, insight, understanding, and discernment. It is not merely theoretical knowledge but the ability to apply knowledge effectively to navigate life's complexities and solve problems. In this verse, `chokmâh` is presented as intrinsically superior, representing effective strategy and insightful judgment.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** From H1369, this word denotes force, might, power, or valor. It refers to raw capability, physical prowess, or military might. The contrast with `chokmâh` highlights the difference between brute force and intelligent, strategic action. While strength can achieve much, wisdom is presented as a more potent and ultimately "better" force, implying its superior effectiveness and inherent value.
* **Despised (Hebrew, _bâzâh'_):** From H959, this primitive root means to disesteem, disdain, or treat with contempt. It implies an active rejection or devaluation, indicating that the poor man's wisdom is not merely overlooked but actively scorned or treated as worthless. This demonstrates a deliberate disregard rooted in prejudice against the source, signifying a profound lack of respect for the individual and their contribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength":** This opening clause establishes Qoheleth's personal conviction or observation. It asserts the intrinsic superiority of wisdom (`chokmâh`) over raw power or might (`gᵉbûwrâh`). This is a foundational tenet of biblical wisdom literature, where strategic insight and understanding are consistently elevated above mere physical or military force, implying wisdom's greater efficacy and lasting impact.
* **"nevertheless the poor man's wisdom [is] despised":** This is the stark counterpoint, introducing the paradox. Despite wisdom's inherent value, its worth is tragically diminished when it comes from a `miçkên`, an indigent or poor man. The word "despised" (`bâzâh`) signifies active contempt, not just passive neglect, highlighting a societal prejudice that devalues the message based on the messenger's low social status.
* **"and his words are not heard":** This final clause underscores the practical consequence of such contempt. The "words" (`dâbâr`) of the poor, wise man—his counsel, insights, or pronouncements—are utterly ignored or dismissed. This implies a profound injustice, as valuable wisdom is lost to the community simply because of the speaker's economic or social standing, rendering his insight ineffective and highlighting the tragic impact of social bias.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 9:16 makes striking use of **Paradox** and **Irony**. The verse presents a clear paradox: wisdom is inherently superior, yet its practical application and reception are contingent upon the social standing of its possessor. This creates a deep **Irony**, as the very thing declared "better" is simultaneously rendered ineffective by human folly and prejudice. Qoheleth's tone is one of **Observation** and **Lament**, as he simply states this harsh reality without offering a solution, characteristic of his "under the sun" perspective. The verse functions as an **Aphorism**, a concise statement of a general truth, albeit a bitter one, reflecting on the frustrating inconsistencies of life and the limitations of human influence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with biblical themes concerning justice, the value of the humble, and the human tendency towards prejudice. While God's wisdom is perfect and universally accessible, human society often fails to recognize or embrace it, especially when it challenges established norms or comes from unexpected sources. The Lord consistently demonstrates a preference for the humble and the marginalized, often choosing the weak things of the world to shame the strong (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")). This verse serves as a stark reminder of the fallen human condition, where pride and social bias can blind people to truth and prevent them from benefiting from divine wisdom, regardless of its source. It challenges believers to cultivate discernment that transcends superficial appearances and to listen for wisdom wherever it may be found, recognizing God's ability to speak through any vessel.

* [Proverbs 28:6](/proverbs/28-6 "Proverbs 28:6 - Better a Poor Man Who Walks in Integrity")
* [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1-4 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Prejudice")
* [Luke 14:7-11](/luke/14-7-11 "Luke 14:7-11 - Humility and Honor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 9:16 serves as a powerful mirror reflecting our own biases and societal tendencies. It compels us to examine how readily we dismiss valuable insights based on the speaker's perceived status, background, or lack of conventional authority. In a world that often prioritizes power, wealth, or celebrity, this verse is a sobering reminder that true wisdom can emerge from the most unexpected and humble places. To truly benefit from wisdom, we must cultivate humility, actively seeking out diverse perspectives and listening attentively, especially to those voices often marginalized or overlooked. This requires a conscious effort to overcome inherent prejudices and to evaluate ideas on their own merit, rather than on the credentials or social standing of the person who speaks them. By doing so, we not only honor the inherent value of wisdom but also foster a more just and discerning community that can truly benefit from the full spectrum of God-given insight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might I be inadvertently dismissing valuable wisdom due to the source's perceived lack of status or influence?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a posture of humility and open-mindedness to ensure I am "hearing" wisdom, regardless of who speaks it?**
* **What steps can I take to amplify the voices of the marginalized or overlooked, ensuring their wisdom is not "despised" or "unheard" in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does this verse challenge my assumptions about where true wisdom resides and how it should be recognized?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse suggest that wisdom is ultimately useless if one is poor?**

Answer: No, the verse does not suggest that wisdom is useless. Instead, it highlights a tragic societal reality: while wisdom (`chokmâh`) is inherently "better than strength," its practical impact can be negated by human prejudice. The poor man's wisdom is not inherently flawed or ineffective; rather, it is "despised" and "not heard" by others due to their bias against his social status. The verse laments the injustice of this situation, where valuable insight is lost because society fails to recognize it. It's a critique of human folly and social injustice, not a devaluation of wisdom itself.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Ecclesiastes?**

Answer: This verse perfectly encapsulates Qoheleth's recurring theme of the paradoxes and frustrations of life "under the sun." While he consistently affirms the value of wisdom (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 7:11-12](/ecclesiastes/7-11-12 "Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 - Wisdom is a Defense")), he also laments the limitations and inequities that often prevent wisdom from achieving its full potential in a fallen world. The observation that the poor man's wisdom is ignored reinforces the idea that human efforts and virtues, even the best ones, are subject to the unpredictable and often unfair realities of life, leading to a sense of futility or "hevel" (vanity). It's a realistic, albeit cynical, assessment of human nature and societal structures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 9:16 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus. Jesus, though possessing ultimate divine wisdom (e.g., [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom")), came not as a king in worldly splendor but as a humble carpenter from Nazareth, born in a manger (e.g., [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem")). His teachings, though filled with unparalleled wisdom, were often "despised" and "not heard" by the religious and political elite of His day who judged Him by His humble origins and lack of formal authority (e.g., [John 7:48](/john/7-48 "John 7:48 - Have Any of the Rulers Believed in Him?")). The very people He came to save, particularly the powerful, scorned His words and ultimately rejected Him, leading to His crucifixion (e.g., [Matthew 27:22-23](/matthew/27-22-23 "Matthew 27:22-23 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). Yet, it was precisely through this despised and unheard "poor man's wisdom"—the wisdom of the cross—that God accomplished salvation, demonstrating that God's ways are often contrary to human expectations and that He chooses the "foolish things of the world to shame the wise" (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:25-29](/1_corinthians/1-25-29 "1 Corinthians 1:25-29 - The Wisdom of God and the Foolishness of Man")). Jesus' life and sacrifice validate the inherent superiority of wisdom, even when it is rejected by a world that values strength and status, ultimately revealing God's perfect plan through humility and apparent weakness.

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

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?