Ecclesiastes 9:17

17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.

Ecclesiastes 9:17 in Other Translations

17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

17 Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.

17 The quiet words of the wise are more effective Than the ranting of a king of fools.

17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

17 One should pay more attention to calm words from wise people than shouting from a ruler of fools.

17 The calm words of the wise are heeded more than the shouts of a ruler over fools.

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 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.

16 So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.

17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.