13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. 14 ^bThere was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 15 But there was found in it a ^cpoor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet ^dno one remembered that poor man. 16 But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.

17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.