Bible Study: Ecclesiastes 9:13–10:7— December 15, 2024

Ecclesiastes 9:13–10:7 (NKJV)

13 This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me: 14 There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man.

16 Then I said:

“Wisdom is better than strength.

Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised,

And his words are not heard.

17 Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard

Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war;

But one sinner destroys much good.”

1 Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment,

And cause it to give off a foul odor;

So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.

2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand,

But a fool’s heart at his left.

3 Even when a fool walks along the way,

He lacks wisdom,

And he shows everyone that he is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you,

Do not leave your post;

For conciliation pacifies great offenses.

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun,

As an error proceeding from the ruler:

6 Folly is set in great dignity,

While the rich sit in a lowly place.

7 I have seen servants on horses,

While princes walk on the ground like servants.