So I said,"Wisdomis betterthanstrength."But the wisdomof the poormanis despisedand his wordsare not heeded.
The richman'swealthis his fortress,The ruinof the pooris their poverty.
A wisemanscalesthe cityof the mightyAnd bringsdownthe strongholdin whichthey trust.
A wisemanis strong,And a manof knowledgeincreasespower.
"Counselis mine and soundwisdom;I am understanding,poweris mine.
Ifthe axeis dulland he does not sharpen[its] edge,then he must exertmore strength.Wisdomhas the advantageof givingsuccess.
For wisdomis protection[just as] moneyis protection,But the advantageof knowledgeis that wisdompreservesthe livesof its possessors.
Wisdomstrengthensa wisemanmorethantenrulerswhoare in a city.
Wisdomis betterthanweaponsof war,but onesinnerdestroysmuchgood.
