Ecclesiastes 9:14-18

14There was a small city and only a few people lived in it. A powerful king came to attack that city. His army made their camp around the city. They built heaps of earth all around it.

15There was a man who lived in the city. He was poor but he was also wise. Because he was wise, he knew how to save the city. But after he saved it, nobody remembered that poor man.

16So I realized that wisdom is better than power. But if you are poor, nobody accepts that you are also wise. People soon forget what you said.

17A wise person speaks quietly. But it is good to listen carefully to him. His words have more value than a king who is shouting to a crowd of fools.

18Wisdom is better than weapons that are used to fight a war. But one bad person can destroy many good things.