New English Translation

Ecclesiastes 9:14-18 New English Translation (NET)

14. There was once a small city with a few men in it,and a mighty king attacked it, besieging it and building strong siege works against it.

15. However, a poor but wise man lived in the city,and he could have delivered the city by his wisdom,but no one listened to that poor man.

16. So I concluded that wisdom is better than might,but a poor man’s wisdom is despised; no one ever listens to his advice.

17. The words of the wise are heard in quiet,more than the shouting of a ruler is heard among fools.

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