Ecclesiastes 9:17

17 People should listen to the quiet words of those who are wise. That's better than paying attention to the shouts of a ruler of foolish people.

Ecclesiastes 9:17 Meaning and Commentary

Ecclesiastes 9:17

The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet
That is, by some persons and at some times, though not by all persons and always; or they are to be heard, or should be heard, though they seldom be, even the words of wise men that are poor: these are to be heard quietly and patiently, without any tumult and contradiction; or should be heard, being delivered with a low and submissive voice, without any noise, or blustering pride, or passion, sedately and with great humility, submitting them to the judgment of others; which sense the comparison seems to require; more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools;
more than the noisy words of a foolish governor; or than the dictates of an imperious man, delivered in a clamorous and blustering way; by which he obtains authority among such fools as himself, who are influenced more by the pomp and noise of words than by the force of true wisdom and reason; but all right judges will give the preference to the former. The Targum interprets it of the silent prayer of the wise being received by the Lord, more than the clamour of the wicked.

Ecclesiastes 9:17 In-Context

15 A certain man lived in that city. He was poor but wise. He used his wisdom to save the city. But no one remembered that poor man.

16 So I said, "It's better to be wise than to be powerful." But people looked down on the poor man's wisdom. No one paid any attention to what he said.

17 People should listen to the quiet words of those who are wise. That's better than paying attention to the shouts of a ruler of foolish people.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war. But one sinner destroys a lot of good.