Ecclesiastes 9:11-18

11Again, I observed this on the earth: the race is not always won by the swiftest, the battle is not always won by the strongest; prosperity does not always belong to those who are the wisest, wealth does not always belong to those who are the most discerning, nor does success always come to those with the most knowledge – for time and chance may overcome them all.

12Surely, no one knows his appointed time! Like fish that are caught in a deadly net, and like birds that are caught in a snare – just like them, all people are ensnared at an unfortunate time that falls upon them suddenly.

13This is what I also observed about wisdom on earth, and it is a great burden to me:

14There 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.

15However, 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.

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

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

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