Kohelet 9:17

17 Divrei chachamim in quiet are more to be heeded than the shouting of the moshel (one ruling) among kesilim.

Kohelet 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.

Kohelet 9:17 In-Context

15 Now there was found in it a poor chacham, and he by his chochmah delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

16 Then said I, Chochmah is better than gevurah (strength); nevertheless the poor man’s chochmah is despised, and his devarim are not heard.

17 Divrei chachamim in quiet are more to be heeded than the shouting of the moshel (one ruling) among kesilim.

18 Chochmah is better than weapons of war, but one choteh destroyeth much good.