Ecclesiastes 9:12-18 (New International Version)
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12
Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times1 that fall unexpectedly upon them.2
Wisdom Better Than Folly
13 I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom3 that greatly impressed me: 14 There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siegeworks against it. 15 Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.4 16 So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.5 17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. 18 Wisdom6 is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online)
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