Ecclesiastes 9:16

Contemporary English Version (Anglicised) 2012

So I decided that wisdom is better than strength. Yet if you are poor, no one pays any attention to you, no matter how clever you are.

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Great wealth can be a fortress, but poverty is no protection at all.

One wise person can defeat a city full of soldiers and capture their fortress.

Wisdom brings strength, and knowledge gives power.

I am strong, and I offer sensible advice and sound judgment.

If you don't sharpen your axe, it will be harder to use; if you are clever, you'll know what to do.

Wisdom will protect you just like money; knowledge with good sense will lead you to life.

Wisdom will make you stronger than the ten most powerful leaders in your city.

Wisdom is more powerful than weapons, yet one mistake can destroy all the good you have done.