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So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength,” even though that poor person’s wisdom was despised, and no one listened to what he said.
One should pay more attention to calm words from wise people than shouting from a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war… (Eccl 9:16-18 GW) [context– Eccl 9:13-18]
Human nature is remarkably consistent
Personalities may vary yet there is a sameness about them throughout time. In recent times, a person’s personality can be analyzed and categorized with various personality tests.
Although these tests vary in their terminology and process of analysis, they confirm how consistent human nature is. The most consistent element of human nature is our self-centeredness. Personality tests may help determine how we are self-centered and to what degree but they focus on the self in each person.
Each one of us cares more about our self than any other person. This is natural. We are born with this self-centered nature. But we’re not all selfish in the same way.
Some of us prefer others to serve us, which makes us feel better about ourselves. Others feel better about themselves when they serve others. My guess is most of us are in the middle of the spectrum between either extreme.
We all know people who seem to think the universe revolves around them. They have a sense of importance that overshadows others and crowds them out of their lives. They’re known as bullies, egomaniacs, narcissists, or megalomaniacs.
These people tend to be abusive, oppressive, and tyrannical towards others.
You probably know people who are the opposite. They are kind and gracious. They may have an upbeat, sunny disposition or are shy and quiet who often go out of their way to help others and do what is right and best for all concerned.
We all need the latter group of people in our lives and hopefully, value them for who they are. You might identify with a little of both, perhaps with the first group more than you realize.
People are people. We are who we are. But people can change!
We can become less self-centered when we choose and seek to become more like our Creator. How this can happen is based on our view of others, ourselves, and God.
Wisdom—godly wisdom (James 3:16-17 CSB)—is what can help change our perspective, which is too often clouded by the wisdom of this world.
As Solomon points out, there is a wisdom greater than what or who seems most powerful in the world around us in this life under the sun.
Insights
Wisdom and sound judgment are often not given the respect they deserve.
Sound reasoning and discernment can be ignored or undervalued by people who are more concerned with their own importance and input.
This seems to be what makes a “deep impression” on Solomon (Eccl 9:13 GW). He illustrates this point with a short story. Whether a true event or not, we don’t know. But it confirms and illustrates what holds true in life—we fail to learn from history and good deeds are easily forgotten.
Examples of this are seen in the lives of Joseph and Daniel—both wise beyond their years and with their goodness forgotten by those who benefited from them.
Joseph was mistreated by his own brothers and his integrity was used against him by Potiphar’s wife (Gen 37:19-28; 39:11-20 CSB). While in prison, Joseph interprets important dreams but his good deed is forgotten until two years (Gen 40:12-23).
Daniel interprets dreams for Nebuchadnezzar the great emperor of Babylon but is despised by other nobles. Later, his wisdom and value as a leader is forgotten by the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar until his services are required once again (Dan 5:12-12 CSB).
Countless similar examples can be found throughout history. Many inventions and scientific breakthroughs were the results of unintentional discoveries or accidents by people now forgotten. Many historical events did and did not take place because of now-forgotten situations and people.
Absalom might have captured and killed King David if he followed the advice of his advisor, Ahithophel, which would have changed the course of history and perhaps eternity. Instead, he followed advice from another advisor loyal to David and Ahithophel killed himself (2 Sam Chap 17).
Wisdom—godly wisdom—is powerful but only when heeded.
Existential Reflections
Knowledge and wisdom are not the same and godly wisdom is distinct from human wisdom.
Wisdom is knowledge with understanding—explainable and useful. Think of knowledge as data for a computer and wisdom as the software that can process the data.
Godly wisdom is best described by the apostle James—
…the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17 NKJV)
Intelligence and wisdom are found in people of all ages, genders, races, and statuses. I found this to be true throughout the many places I’ve traveled and worked. I’ve benefitted from the wisdom and insight of many people whom I’ve worked with, for, and whom I supervised as their leader.
I’ve also experienced what the “poor, wise person” did in Solomon’s illustration. Many times. This helped me appreciate and value those I was blessed to oversee in many areas of ministry. This also applies to my own family. Even my grandchildren remind me of what is good, right, just, wise, and valuable.
It’s easy to see the injustice and wrong done to this “poor, wise person.” His wisdom was taken while expedient but not respected, nor was he. But that’s not what makes a deep impression on Solomon.
Here are 3 observations and conclusions made by Solomon—
“Wisdom is better than strength”— Strength and power wane and weaken over time but wisdom doesn’t (verse 16).
“Pay more attention to calm words from wise people”— This lines up with how James described wisdom as “peaceable, gentle, willing to yield… without partiality… [or] hypocrisy.” (verse 17)
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war”— The powerful king who surrounded and blockaded the town was outsmarted by the “poor, wise person” (verse 18).
Ah, but there’s a caveat to all this wisdom—”…but one sinner can destroy much that is good” (verse 18). And this brings us back to the primary truth we can observe, understand, and apply in our own lives—
One should pay more attention to calm words from wise people than shouting from a ruler of fools. (Eccl 9:17 GW)
Heeding this simple admonition from Solomon would prevent or more easily resolve most conflict, strife, and avert costly, deadly wars. Wise words and a calm spirit are more beneficial and powerful than intellect or great authority.
This is echoed in the Proverbs of Solomon and by James (Prov 15:18; 16:32; 17:27; Jam 1:19).
What stands in the way of this admonition being heeded?
The usual things—emotions, fear, pride, power, selfishness.
If you want your life to go well and have a beneficial impact on people and the world around you—choose the way of the “poor, wise person.”
How? Pursue godly wisdom that reflects godly character.
This is an excerpt from my newest book available on Amazon! Glimmers of Light in the Darkness of Life
The Scripture text for this devotional study can be found by clicking the blue button link– “Ecclesiastes Chap 9” [I’ve used God’s Word Translation (GW) for ease of reading but the button link will take you to the text in a parallel version with the NKJV text.]
Also, for further commentary, I recommend Enduring Word by Ptr David Guzik.