Ecclesiastes 9:17-18
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Tag: Quiet Wisdom Wins Much
In 1936 Dale Carnegie published a book entitled, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” It has sold over 30 million copies over the years. It was one of the first self-help books ever written. The book was actually based on a 14-week course a publisher from Simon and Schuster took, taught be Carnegie. In 2011 the third edition to the book was published. This current addition has 211 pages to tell us how to impact those around us. In the above text the ESV translates, in 30 words, everything you need to know about how to win and influence people: God’s Wisdom communicated in the right way. Carnegie would tell you whaat the “right” way is to communicate it. Notice the contrast above. The “words of the wise” stated quietly (in a one on one situation?) is better than a leader “shouting” among a group of people who are fools (those who reject wisdom). Fools reject wisdom. Therefore, no matter how you present it, the wisdom is useless. Look how Solomon communicated that thought in another passage he wrote:
Proverbs 11:22
Like a gold ring in a pig's snout
is a beautiful woman without discretion.
When wisdom is shared with those who don’t want wisdom, it doesn’t matter if you are a powerful leader and shout it from the mountain top; it won’t matter. The contrast of that is quit profound. Wisdom shared, even in just a quiet manner (Solomon is NOT saying that is the ONLY way to share wisdom) is powerful. Wisdom shared in the right way to a listening ear is powerful. It is more powerful than “weapons of war.” The converse of that is that “one sinner” (someone who rejects God’s wisdom), can destroy manny and much. The power of wisdom is seen when it is delivered correctly to a heart that is open for God’s Word (His Wisdom).
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