WISDOM – BETTER THAN STRENGTH

Then said I, WISDOM is BETTER than STRENGTH. Nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard – Ecclesiastes 9:16

Wisdom is better than Wealth and Riches. Wisdom is also superior to Strength and Weapons of War! Here, Solomon tells a story of how the wisdom of a poor man saved a small, besieged city from the assault of the huge army of a great king, but the poor man was then forgotten. Solomon concluded: “…WISDOM is BETTER than STRENGTH. Nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.  WISDOM is BETTER than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good” (vs. 16-18). Wisdom is superior to Strength because: “Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers of the city” (Eccl.7:19).

The end of the story was an anti-climax: no one remembered the poor, wise man; no one gave him any kind of regard or reward; no one offered him a job so that he could be rescued from poverty; and no street or neighbourhood was named after him. How frustrating it must have seemed, that such a wise and valuable man could be so easily forgotten. Such situations abound still in today’s society: very rarely are people honoured for their great wisdom. The world hardly honours those who make positive contributions to society. Rather, it makes idols of drug-addicted entertainers and heroes of corrupt politicians. This is the crux of Solomon’s message: be grateful for the wisdom of the poor wise man; and appreciate the man!

Beyond this call for gratitude however, is another lesson: do not put your confidence in men or on the arm of flesh that fails. The small city was delivered from doom – not by physical strength, nor by weapons of war – but by the wisdom of one poor, insignificant man. What a vivid contrast: a poor wise man and a powerful king! To win life’s battles, God is looking for wisdom, not power, wealth or weapons of war; might does not make right. We are to not put our trust in human resources, but listen to the Voice of Wisdom, as it comes even from the humblest of quarters! By implication however, wisdom is better partnered with wealth than with poverty. Wealth amplifies the Voice of Wisdom, and ensures that it is not despised!  

Two final lessons: First, it is better to listen to the wise speaking quietly than to listen to the shouting of a fool (vs.17). Second, wisdom is fragile and vulnerable in the presence of Sin. If caution is not taken, one sin can damage much wisdom, and ruin a reputation forever. The yeast of Sin can ruin it all: “…one sinner destroys much good” (vs.18). Achan’s sin brought an entire nation to its knees. David’s sin of ‘lookery’ led to lust, adultery, jealousy, and murder. One sin can undo a lot of wisdom. In order to conquer Sin, God sent a humble wise Man who through the Wisdom of the Cross saved others, but was ignored by the world (2Cor.8:9). The Man Jesus is “the Wisdom of God” (1Cor.1:24). Do you appreciate Him?