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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/21_Ecc_09_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 9:18 - Wisdom is Better than Strength" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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But one sinner destroys much good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is more powerful than weapons, yet one mistake can destroy all the good you have done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom does more good than weapons, but one sinner can undo a lot of good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, and a single sinner can destroy a lot of good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] wisdom than weapons of conflict, "" And one sinner destroys much good!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is wisdom than weapons of conflict, And one sinner destroyeth much good!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is good above the instruments of encounter: and one sinning will destroy much good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better is wisdom, than weapons of war: and he that shall offend in one, shall lose many good things. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war. And whoever offends in one thing, shall lose many good things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one bungler destroys much good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one bungler destroys much good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sin destroys much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Better is wisdom than instruments of war, and one sin destroys many good things<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroyeth much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is better than weapons of war: and one sinner will destroy much good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=1830" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Wisdom is Better than Strength</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">Wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇāh (Adj-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: mik·kə·lê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus.">than weapons</a> <a href="/hebrew/7128.htm" title="7128: qə·rāḇ (N-ms) -- A battle, war. From qarab; hostile encounter.">of war,</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">but one</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: wə·ḥō·w·ṭe (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">sinner</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: yə·’ab·bêḏ (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">destroys</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: har·bêh (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">much</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇāh (N-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22</a></span><br />A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-5.htm">Proverbs 24:5-6</a></span><br />A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. / Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></span><br />A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a></span><br />The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a></span><br />The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Proverbs 13:16</a></span><br />Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Romans 16:19</a></span><br />Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">1 Peter 2:15</a></span><br />For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroys much good.</p><p class="hdg">better</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:16</a></b></br> Then said I, Wisdom <i>is</i> better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom <i>is</i> despised, and his words are not heard.</p><p class="hdg">sinner</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">Joshua 7:1,5,11,12</a></b></br> But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/22-20.htm">Joshua 22:20</a></b></br> Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-28.htm">1 Samuel 14:28,29,36-46</a></b></br> Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed <i>be</i> the man that eateth <i>any</i> food this day. And the people were faint… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm">Better</a> <a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">Conflict</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Destroyeth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Destroys</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-9.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-2.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">War</a> <a href="/psalms/76-3.htm">Weapons</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-16.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Better</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-24.htm">Conflict</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-55.htm">Destroyeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-2.htm">Destroys</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-6.htm">Good</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Instruments</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Sinner</a> <a href="/songs/3-7.htm">War</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-5.htm">Weapons</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-1.htm">like things happen to good and bad</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">there is a necessity of death unto men</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-7.htm">Comfort is all their portion in this life</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">God's providence rules over all</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-13.htm">wisdom is better than strength</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Wisdom is better than weapons of war</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the superiority of wisdom over physical might and military power. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and understanding His ways (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). The historical context of ancient Israel, a nation often surrounded by hostile powers, underscores the value of wisdom in navigating conflicts and maintaining peace. Solomon, traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, was known for his wisdom, which brought prosperity and peace to Israel (<a href="/1_kings/4-29.htm">1 Kings 4:29-34</a>). This phrase echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/proverbs/21-22.htm">Proverbs 21:22</a>, where wisdom is portrayed as a means to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Theologically, wisdom is a type of Christ, who is described as the "wisdom of God" (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>), suggesting that reliance on divine wisdom is more powerful than any human strategy or weaponry.<p><b>but one sinner destroys much good</b><br>This part of the verse highlights the destructive potential of sin and the impact of a single individual's wrongdoing. The biblical narrative is replete with examples of how one person's sin can have widespread consequences, such as Achan's sin leading to Israel's defeat at Ai (Joshua 7) or David's sin with Bathsheba resulting in turmoil for his kingdom (2 Samuel 11-12). The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a strong emphasis on communal responsibility, where the actions of one could affect the entire community. This principle is also seen in the New Testament, where Paul warns that "a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough" (<a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">1 Corinthians 5:6</a>), illustrating how sin can permeate and corrupt. Theologically, this phrase underscores the need for vigilance against sin and the importance of righteousness, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to destroy the works of the devil (1 <a href="/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8</a>) and restore what sin has marred.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. His reflections in Ecclesiastes often explore the meaning of life and the pursuit of wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which Solomon reigned. The historical context of Israel during Solomon's time was one of peace and prosperity, allowing for philosophical and theological exploration.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sinners.htm">Sinners</a></b><br>In this context, a "sinner" refers to an individual who acts contrary to God's wisdom and righteousness, causing harm and destruction.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>A central theme in Ecclesiastes, wisdom is portrayed as a divine gift that surpasses material power and human strength.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/weapons_of_war.htm">Weapons of War</a></b><br>Symbolic of human strength and military might, which are ultimately inferior to the power of wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_superiority_of_wisdom.htm">The Superiority of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is a divine attribute that surpasses human strength and military power. It is a guiding principle that leads to peace and prosperity, unlike the temporary and often destructive nature of physical might.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_destructive_power_of_sin.htm">The Destructive Power of Sin</a></b><br>Even a single act of sin can have far-reaching negative consequences, undermining the good that wisdom can achieve. This highlights the importance of living righteously and avoiding sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_righteous_living.htm">The Value of Righteous Living</a></b><br>Pursuing wisdom and righteousness should be a priority for believers, as these lead to lasting good and align with God's will, unlike the fleeting and often harmful effects of sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_individual_actions.htm">The Impact of Individual Actions</a></b><br>Each person's actions can significantly impact their community. One person's sin can destroy much good, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_seek_divine_wisdom.htm">The Call to Seek Divine Wisdom</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as it is the foundation for a life that honors God and benefits others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_tomorrow.htm">What does fearing God mean about avoiding extremes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_qoheleth_in_ecclesiastes.htm">Who is Qoheleth in the Book of Ecclesiastes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_christians_use_public_schools.htm">When is it time to break down or build up?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_zophar_with_psalm_73.htm">How do we reconcile Zophar's rigid cause-and-effect theology in Job 20 with other biblical passages (like Psalm 73) that acknowledge the prosperity of the wicked without immediate judgment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wisdom is better than weapons of war</span>. Such is the moral which Koheleth desires to draw from the little narrative given above (see vers. 14-16; and <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:19</a>). Wisdom can do what no material force can effect, and often produces results which all the implements of war could not command. <span class="cmt_word">But one sinner destroyeth much good.</span> The happy consequences which the wise man's counsel might accomplish, or has already accomplished, may be overthrown or rendered useless by the villany or perversity of a bad man. The Vulgate, reading differently, has, <span class="accented">Qui in uno peccaverit, multa bona perdet</span>. But this seems to be out of keeping with the context. Adam's sin infected the whole race of man; Achau's transgression caused Israel's defeat (<a href="/joshua/7-11.htm">Joshua 7:11, 12</a>); Rehoboam's folly occasioned the great schism (<a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16</a>). The wide° reaching effects of one little error are illustrated by the proverbial saying which every one knows, and which runs in Latin thus: "Clavus unus perdit equi soleam, soles equum, equus equitem, eques castra, castro rempublicam." <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכְמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥāḵ·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is better</span><br /><span class="heb">טוֹבָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·w·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than weapons</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכְּלֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mik·kə·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3627.htm">Strong's 3627: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prepared, any apparatus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of war,</span><br /><span class="heb">קְרָ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(qə·rāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7128.htm">Strong's 7128: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hostile encounter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but one</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sinner</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחוֹטֶ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥō·w·ṭe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">destroys</span><br /><span class="heb">יְאַבֵּ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(yə·’ab·bêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wander away, lose oneself, to perish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">much</span><br /><span class="heb">הַרְבֵּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(har·bêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good.</span><br /><span class="heb">טוֹבָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·w·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-18.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 9:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 9:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 10:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 10:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>