Ecclesiastes 9:18

Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

Wisdom {H2451} is better {H2896} than weapons {H3627} of war {H7128}: but one {H259} sinner {H2398} destroyeth {H6} much {H7235} good {H2896}.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but a person who makes a mistake can destroy much good.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good.

Commentary

Ecclesiastes 9:18 delivers a profound paradox, contrasting the enduring power of wisdom with the destructive potential of a single individual's moral failure. It underscores the Preacher's (Koheleth's) observations about life's complexities and the often-unseen forces at play.

Context

This verse concludes a section in Ecclesiastes 9 that reflects on the unpredictable nature of life and the often-overlooked value of wisdom. Earlier in the chapter, the Preacher noted that "time and chance happeneth to them all" (Ecclesiastes 9:11), and then provided an illustration of a poor wise man who saved a city but was quickly forgotten (Ecclesiastes 9:15). Despite this apparent disregard, the Preacher reaffirms wisdom's ultimate superiority, even as he laments the ease with which it can be undone by folly or sin.

Key Themes

  • The Supremacy of Wisdom: The first half, "Wisdom is better than weapons of war," asserts that intellectual and spiritual insight surpasses brute force or military might. Wisdom provides foresight, strategic advantage, and the ability to resolve conflicts without destruction. Proverbs 24:5 states, "A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength."
  • The Destructive Power of Sin: The second half, "but one sinner destroyeth much good," presents a stark counterpoint. It highlights the disproportionate negative impact a single morally corrupt or foolish individual can have on a community, a project, or even an entire nation. The good achieved through wisdom can be swiftly undone by one person's transgression or poor judgment.
  • Fragility of Good Deeds: This verse subtly points to the vulnerability of positive accomplishments. It takes much effort to build and create good, but very little to tear it down, especially when fueled by a single act of malice or selfishness.

Linguistic Insights

  • Wisdom (ื—ึธื›ึฐืžึธื” - chokmah): In Hebrew, chokmah refers to practical skill, discernment, and sound judgment, often implying a moral and spiritual understanding that guides one's actions. It's not just intellectual prowess but the ability to apply knowledge effectively.
  • Sinner (ื—ึนื˜ึถื - chote'): This term denotes one who "misses the mark" or goes astray, implying a deviation from what is right or morally acceptable. It emphasizes the moral dimension of the individual's destructive act.
  • Destroyeth (ื™ึฐืึทื‘ึตึผื“ - ye'abbed): This strong verb means to cause to perish, ruin, or lay waste. It conveys the complete undoing of good, not just a minor setback.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 9:18 holds timeless relevance for individuals and societies:

  • Value Wisdom: It encourages us to prioritize and cultivate wisdom, understanding that it is a far more potent force for long-term success and peace than any material or physical advantage. This applies to personal decisions, leadership, and conflict resolution.
  • Beware of Individual Influence: The verse serves as a powerful warning about the ripple effect of individual actions. One person's corruption, gossip, negligence, or rebellion can genuinely undermine the efforts of many. The account of Achan in Joshua 7 serves as a powerful biblical example of how one person's sin brought judgment upon an entire community.
  • Personal Accountability: It calls for a high degree of personal integrity and accountability. Recognizing that "one sinner destroyeth much good" should motivate us to live responsibly, knowing that our choices have far-reaching consequences, for better or worse.
  • Protect Good: Communities and organizations must be vigilant in protecting the good they have built. This involves addressing moral failings swiftly and upholding standards of integrity to prevent widespread damage from individual acts of sin or folly.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 7:11

    Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put [it] even among their own stuff.

  • Joshua 7:12

    Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, [but] turned [their] backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

  • Joshua 7:1

    ยถ But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.

  • Joshua 7:5

    And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them [from] before the gate [even] unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

  • 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.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

  • 2 Timothy 4:4

    And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
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