Ecclesiastes 9:18
New International Version
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

New Living Translation
Better to have wisdom than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.

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

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

King James Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

New King James Version
Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good.”

New American Standard Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

NASB 1995
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

NASB 1977
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

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

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

Christian Standard Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much good.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much good.

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

Contemporary English Version
Wisdom is more powerful than weapons, yet one mistake can destroy all the good you have done.

English Revised Version
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.

Good News Translation
Wisdom does more good than weapons, but one sinner can undo a lot of good.

International Standard Version
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, and a single sinner can destroy a lot of good.

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

NET Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.

New Heart English Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

World English Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Better [is] wisdom than weapons of conflict, "" And one sinner destroys much good!

Young's Literal Translation
Better is wisdom than weapons of conflict, And one sinner destroyeth much good!

Smith's Literal Translation
Wisdom is good above the instruments of encounter: and one sinning will destroy much good.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Better is wisdom, than weapons of war: and he that shall offend in one, shall lose many good things.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Wisdom is better than weapons of war. And whoever offends in one thing, shall lose many good things.

New American Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one bungler destroys much good.

New Revised Standard Version
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one bungler destroys much good.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sin destroys much good.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Better is wisdom than instruments of war, and one sin destroys many good things
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroyeth much good.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Wisdom is better than weapons of war: and one sinner will destroy much good.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Wisdom is Better than Strength
17The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. 18Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Cross References
Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...

1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

Proverbs 21:22
A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

Proverbs 24:5-6
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. / Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Proverbs 10:14
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.

Romans 16:19
Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

1 Peter 2:15
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.


Treasury of Scripture

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

better

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.

sinner

Joshua 7:1,5,11,12
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 22:20
Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.

1 Samuel 14:28,29,36-46
Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint…

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Better Conflict Destroyeth Destroys Destruction Good Instruments Sinner War Weapons Wisdom
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Better Conflict Destroyeth Destroys Destruction Good Instruments Sinner War Weapons Wisdom
Ecclesiastes 9
1. like things happen to good and bad
4. there is a necessity of death unto men
7. Comfort is all their portion in this life
11. God's providence rules over all
13. wisdom is better than strength














Wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of knowledge in practical life. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and is considered a divine gift. It is portrayed as a guiding principle that leads to life and prosperity. In Ecclesiastes, wisdom is presented as a superior force, more effective than physical might or military power. This reflects the biblical theme that true strength lies in understanding and aligning with God's will, rather than relying solely on human strength or strategy.

is better than
This phrase emphasizes a comparison, suggesting a hierarchy of values. In the biblical worldview, spiritual and moral qualities often take precedence over material or physical attributes. The phrase invites readers to prioritize wisdom over tangible assets, such as weapons, which are often seen as symbols of power and security. This comparison challenges the reader to reconsider what is truly valuable and effective in life.

weapons of war
The term "weapons of war" refers to instruments used in battle, symbolizing human efforts to exert control and dominance. In ancient times, military power was a primary means of establishing and maintaining authority. However, the verse suggests that such power is ultimately inferior to wisdom. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where reliance on God and His wisdom is preferred over human might (Psalm 20:7). The historical context of Israel, often caught between powerful empires, underscores the importance of divine wisdom over military alliances.

but
The conjunction "but" introduces a contrast, highlighting the tension between the positive impact of wisdom and the negative potential of sin. It serves as a pivot in the verse, drawing attention to the dual nature of human influence—constructive through wisdom, yet destructive through sin.

one sinner
The phrase "one sinner" underscores the significant impact a single individual can have, for better or worse. The Hebrew word for "sinner" is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or to err. In the biblical narrative, sin is not just a personal failing but a force that can disrupt communities and relationships. The mention of "one sinner" serves as a cautionary note about the far-reaching consequences of sin, reminding readers of accounts like Achan in Joshua 7, whose disobedience brought trouble upon all Israel.

destroys much good
This phrase highlights the destructive power of sin, which can undo the positive effects of wisdom. The Hebrew word for "destroys" is "אָבַד" (abad), meaning to perish or to cause to vanish. The verse suggests that while wisdom can build and sustain, sin has the potential to unravel and devastate. This serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of good and the vigilance required to protect it. The historical and scriptural context often illustrates how the actions of a few can lead to widespread consequences, emphasizing the need for communal responsibility and adherence to God's commandments.

Verse 18. - Wisdom is better than weapons of war. Such is the moral which Koheleth desires to draw from the little narrative given above (see vers. 14-16; and Ecclesiastes 7:19). Wisdom can do what no material force can effect, and often produces results which all the implements of war could not command. But one sinner destroyeth much good. The happy consequences which the wise man's counsel might accomplish, or has already accomplished, may be overthrown or rendered useless by the villany or perversity of a bad man. The Vulgate, reading differently, has, Qui in uno peccaverit, multa bona perdet. But this seems to be out of keeping with the context. Adam's sin infected the whole race of man; Achau's transgression caused Israel's defeat (Joshua 7:11, 12); Rehoboam's folly occasioned the great schism (1 Kings 12:16). The wide° reaching effects of one little error are illustrated by the proverbial saying which every one knows, and which runs in Latin thus: "Clavus unus perdit equi soleam, soles equum, equus equitem, eques castra, castro rempublicam."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Wisdom
חָכְמָ֖ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

is better
טוֹבָ֥ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

than weapons
מִכְּלֵ֣י (mik·kə·lê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus

of war,
קְרָ֑ב (qə·rāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7128: Hostile encounter

but one
אֶחָ֔ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

sinner
וְחוֹטֶ֣א (wə·ḥō·w·ṭe)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

destroys
יְאַבֵּ֥ד (yə·’ab·bêḏ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6: To wander away, lose oneself, to perish

much
הַרְבֵּֽה׃ (har·bêh)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great

good.
טוֹבָ֥ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)
Ecclesiastes 9:17
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