Ecclesiastes 9:16
And I said, "Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded."
And I said
This phrase introduces a personal reflection from the author, traditionally believed to be Solomon. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which conveys a declaration or proclamation. This suggests a thoughtful conclusion drawn from observation and experience, emphasizing the reflective nature of Ecclesiastes as a whole.

Wisdom is better than strength
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of knowledge in life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, often seen as a divine gift. "Strength" (כֹּחַ, koach) refers to physical power or might. This comparison highlights a recurring biblical theme: the superiority of wisdom over mere physical prowess. In a conservative Christian perspective, this aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often emphasized spiritual insight over worldly power.

But the poor man's wisdom is despised
The term "poor man" (אִישׁ מִסְכֵּן, ish misken) refers to someone lacking material wealth or social status. Despite possessing wisdom, this individual's insights are undervalued. The word "despised" (בָּזוּי, bazui) indicates contempt or disregard. Historically, societal structures often marginalized the poor, overlooking their potential contributions. This phrase challenges readers to recognize the inherent value of wisdom, regardless of the speaker's social standing.

and his words are not heeded
The phrase "not heeded" (אֵינָם נִשְׁמָעִים, einam nishma'im) suggests a failure to listen or give attention. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) means to hear or obey, implying an active engagement with what is heard. This reflects a broader biblical principle that true wisdom requires not only speaking but also listening and acting upon wise counsel. In a conservative Christian view, this underscores the importance of humility and openness to God's truth, regardless of the messenger.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. Ecclesiastes is a reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.

2. The Poor Wise Man
Although not named, this figure in Ecclesiastes 9:16 represents those who possess wisdom but lack social status or wealth. His wisdom is undervalued despite its potential to save a city.

3. The City
Represents any community or society that stands to benefit from wisdom, yet often overlooks it due to superficial judgments based on wealth or status.
Teaching Points
The Value of Wisdom
Wisdom is more valuable than wealth or power. In a world that often prioritizes material success, we must remember that true wisdom, which comes from God, holds eternal value.

The Humility of Wisdom
True wisdom often comes with humility. The poor wise man in Ecclesiastes 9:16 is a reminder that wisdom is not always accompanied by recognition or status.

The Misjudgment of Society
Society often misjudges the value of individuals based on their economic status. As Christians, we are called to look beyond material wealth and recognize the God-given wisdom in others.

The Power of Influence
Even when unrecognized, wisdom has the power to influence and save. We should strive to be wise in our actions and decisions, trusting that God can use our wisdom for His purposes.

Seeking Godly Wisdom
We are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to those who ask. This wisdom can guide us in making decisions that honor Him and benefit others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of the poor wise man challenge our views on wealth and wisdom in today's society?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply Godly wisdom in our daily lives, according to James 1:5?

3. How does the message of Ecclesiastes 9:16 relate to the teachings of Jesus about the last being first and the first being last?

4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the undervaluation of wisdom. How did it impact your perspective on the importance of wisdom?

5. How can we, as a church community, better recognize and value the wisdom of those who may not have social or economic status?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 4:7
This verse emphasizes the supreme value of wisdom, aligning with the message in Ecclesiastes 9:16 about the importance of wisdom over wealth.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Paul speaks about God choosing the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, which parallels the theme of undervalued wisdom in Ecclesiastes 9:16.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, reinforcing the idea that wisdom is a divine gift that should be sought and valued.
An ApologueJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 9:13-16
The Praise of WisdomD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
Wisdom and StrengthW. Clarkson Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
The Little City and the Poor Wise ManW. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A.Ecclesiastes 9:14-18
The Poor Wise ManW. Jones, M. A.Ecclesiastes 9:14-18
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Better, Despised, Hearing, Heeded, Longer, Man's, Nevertheless, Poor, Respected, Strength, Though, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 9:16

     5888   inferiority
     8800   prejudice

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

     5457   power, human

Library
The Lapse of Time.
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."--Eccles. ix. 10. Solomon's advice that we should do whatever our hand findeth to do with our might, naturally directs our thoughts to that great work in which all others are included, which will outlive all other works, and for which alone we really are placed here below--the salvation of our souls. And the consideration of this great work,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

A Home Mission Sermon
"What a dear Saviour we have found," and heralding the coming of our Master. We are here as the salt to preserve a world, which else would become putrid and destroyed. We are here as the very pillars of this world's happiness: for when God shall take away his saints, the universal moral fabric "shall tumble to its fall; and great shall be the crash, when the righteous shall be removed, and the foundations shall be shaken. Taking it therefore as granted that the people of God are here to do something
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Three Youths Save Constantinople
Now there was found in that city a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no one remembered that same poor man. Eccl. ix. 15. After these events it really seems as if Gaïnas, to use a modern expression, had completely lost his head, or, to give the view of it taken by himself and his contemporaries, as if a demon had begun to trouble him; for his conduct became aimless and uncertain. Discontent, revenge, ambition, and evil counsels destroyed in him all capacity for wise
Frederic William Farrar—Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^A Matt. I. 18-25. ^a 18 Now the birth [The birth of Jesus is to handled with reverential awe. We are not to probe into its mysteries with presumptuous curiosity. The birth of common persons is mysterious enough (Eccl. ix. 5; Ps. cxxxix. 13-16), and we do not well, therefore, if we seek to be wise above what is written as to the birth of the Son of God] of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed [The Jews were usually betrothed ten or twelve months
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Moral Depravity.
In discussing the subject of human depravity, I shall,-- I. Define the term depravity. The word is derived from the Latin de and pravus. Pravus means "crooked." De is intensive. Depravatus literally and primarily means "very crooked," not in the sense of original or constitutional crookedness, but in the sense of having become crooked. The term does not imply original mal-conformation, but lapsed, fallen, departed from right or straight. It always implies deterioration, or fall from a former state
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Epistle cxxvii. From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory .
From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory [89] . To the holy lord, and father in Christ, the Roman [pope], most fair ornament of the Church, a certain most august flower, as it were, of the whole of withering Europe, distinguished speculator, as enjoying a divine contemplation of purity (?) [90] . I, Bargoma [91] , poor dove in Christ, send greeting. Grace to thee and peace from God the Father [and] our [Lord] Jesus Christ. I am pleased to think, O holy pope, that it will seem to thee nothing extravagant
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Relation v. Observations on Certain Points of Spirituality.
1. "What is it that distresses thee, little sinner? Am I not thy God? Dost thou not see how ill I am treated here? If thou lovest Me, why art thou not sorry for Me? Daughter, light is very different from darkness. I am faithful; no one will be lost without knowing it. He must be deceiving himself who relies on spiritual sweetnesses; the true safety lies in the witness of a good conscience. [1] But let no one think that of himself he can abide in the light, any more than he can hinder the natural
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

Epistle xxxiv. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse .
To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse [1331] . Gregory to Venantius, &c. Many foolish men have supposed that, if I were advanced to the rank of the episcopate, I should decline to address thee, or to keep up communication with thee by letter. But this is not so; since I am compelled by the very necessity of my position not to hold my peace. For it is written, Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet (Isai. lviii. 1). And again it is written, I have given thee for a watchman
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
We read in the Mishnah (Kidd. iv. 14) as follows: "Rabbi Meir said: Let a man always teach his son a cleanly and a light trade; and let him pray to Him whose are wealth and riches; for there is no trade which has not both poverty and riches, and neither does poverty come from the trade nor yet riches, but everything according to one's deserving (merit). Rabbi Simeon, the son of Eleazer, said: Hast thou all thy life long seen a beast or a bird which has a trade? Still they are nourished, and that
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c. II. The Christian's chief employment should be to seek the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof. "Seek first," &c. Upon this he should first and chiefly spend his thoughts, and affections, and pains. We comprehend it in three things. First, He should seek to be clothed upon with Christ's righteousness, and this ought to take up all his spirit. This is the first care and the chief concern. Did not this righteousness weigh much
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Lost Son. ^C Luke XV. 11-32. ^c 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons [These two sons represent the professedly religious (the elder) and the openly irreligious (the younger). They have special reference to the two parties found in the first two verses of this chapter --the Pharisees, the publicans and sinners]: 12 and the younger of them [the more childish and easily deceived] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke VII. 36-50. ^c 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. [We learn from verse 40 that the Pharisee's name was Simon. Because the feast at Bethany was given in the house of Simon the leper, and because Jesus was anointed there also, some have been led to think that Luke is here describing this supper. See Matt. xxvi. 6-13; Mark xiv. 3-9; John xii. 1-8. But Simon the leper was not Simon the Pharisee. The name Simon was one of the most common among the Jewish
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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