Ecclesiastes 9:17
Ecclesiastes 9:17 in Multiple Translations
The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools.
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
The words of the wise which come quietly to the ear are noted more than the cry of a ruler among the foolish.
It's better to listen to the calm words of a wise person than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
The wordes of the wise are more heard in quietnes, then the crye of him that ruleth among fooles.
The words of the wise in quiet are heard, More than the cry of a ruler over fools.
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools.
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
The words of the wise are heard in silence, more than the cry of a prince among fools.
Speaking quietly what is very wise is much more sensible than a king shouting to foolish people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 9:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 9:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דִּבְרֵ֣י
חֲכָמִ֔ים
בְּ/נַ֖חַת
נִשְׁמָעִ֑ים
מִ/זַּעֲקַ֥ת
מוֹשֵׁ֖ל
בַּ/כְּסִילִֽים
דִּבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
חֲכָמִ֔ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
בְּ/נַ֖חַת
Nachath
H5183
quietness
Prep | N-fs
נִשְׁמָעִ֑ים
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Niphal-Inf-c
מִ/זַּעֲקַ֥ת
zaʻaq
H2201
outcry
Prep | N-fs
מוֹשֵׁ֖ל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
V-Qal
בַּ/כְּסִילִֽים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 9:17
דִּבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
חֲכָמִ֔ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
בְּ/נַ֖חַת
Nachath
H5183
"quietness"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a descent or a coming down, often in the sense of a punishment or a judgment from God. It can also mean restfulness or quietness, like the stillness after a storm.
Definition: 1) rest, quietness 1a) quietness, quiet attitude 1b) rest (of death)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: lighting down, quiet(-ness), to rest, be set on. See also: Job 17:16; Ecclesiastes 6:5; Proverbs 29:9.
נִשְׁמָעִ֑ים
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Niphal-Inf-c
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
מִ/זַּעֲקַ֥ת
zaʻaq
H2201
"outcry"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud cry or shriek, often expressing distress, like the outcry in Exodus 2:23. It can also describe a clamor or cry for help. In the Bible, it appears in various forms, such as crying out to God.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry 1b) cry of distress 1c) outcry, clamour
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:20; Isaiah 15:8; Proverbs 21:13.
מוֹשֵׁ֖ל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
V-Qal
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
בַּ/כְּסִילִֽים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 9:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 9:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:17
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:17
Context — Wisdom Is Better than Strength
15Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.
16And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”
17The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools.
18Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 3:17–18 | But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:23 | He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. |
| 3 | James 1:20 | for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. |
| 4 | Isaiah 42:2 | He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 7:3–6 | Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and Ashtoreths among you, prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only. And He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” So the Israelites put away the Baals and Ashtoreths and served only the LORD. Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.” When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah. |
| 6 | Genesis 41:33–40 | Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine.” This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 42:4 | He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.” |
Ecclesiastes 9:17 Summary
This verse means that when wise people speak calmly and thoughtfully, others are more likely to listen to them, even if they are not in a position of power. This is because wisdom and gentle speech are more effective than loud, boastful claims, as seen in Proverbs 15:1. By speaking calmly and wisely, we can have a greater impact on those around us, and build stronger, more meaningful relationships, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, which says to speak only what is helpful for building others up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the calm words of the wise to be heeded?
This means that people are more likely to listen to and consider the gentle, thoughtful words of wise individuals, rather than the loud, boastful claims of those in power, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:17, and also supported by Proverbs 15:1 which says that a soft answer turns away wrath.
Why are the shouts of a ruler among fools not heeded?
The shouts of a ruler among fools are not heeded because they lack wisdom and are often driven by selfish or foolish motivations, as warned against in Psalm 1:1, which cautions against walking in the counsel of the ungodly.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
You can apply this verse by seeking to speak calmly and wisely, even in difficult situations, and by being willing to listen to and consider the gentle words of others, as encouraged in James 1:19, which says to be quick to hear and slow to speak.
What is the relationship between wisdom and power in this verse?
In this verse, wisdom is shown to be more effective than power, as the calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler, highlighting the importance of wisdom and gentle speech, as also seen in Proverbs 24:5-6, which says that wisdom is better than strength and that with wise counsel, you can wage war.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I have seen the calm words of the wise being heeded, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I cultivate the habit of speaking calmly and wisely, even in difficult or stressful situations?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize listening to and considering the gentle words of others, rather than relying on my own strength or power?
- How can I apply the principles of this verse to my relationships with others, particularly in situations where there may be conflict or disagreement?
Gill's Exposition on 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,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:17
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. The words of wise (men are) heard in quiet.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:17
Wise men, though poor, as may be gathered both from the foregoing relation, and because he is opposed to the ruling fool in the next clause, are heard, to wit, by wise men; or should be heard, as such words are oft taken, as , and elsewhere; for that they were not always actually heard, he declared in the last words of the foregoing verse. In quiet; uttered with a modest and low voice, to which the following cry is opposed. The cry, the clamorous and senseless discourses, of him that ruleth among fools; of a rich and potent, but foolish man, who hath some influence upon fools, like himself, but is justly neglected, and his words disregarded, by wise men.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:17
Ecclesiastes 9:17 The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.Ver. 17. The words of wise men are heard in quiet.] The submissive words of a poor man speaking with good understanding, are rather heard than the big and boisterous words of proud fools. Fuit Nestorius homo indoctus, superbus, audax et magnae loquentiae, saith Zanchy. Nestorius, the heretic, was an ignorant, proud, bold, big spoken man, and prevailed very much thereby with some silly simples. How much better Chrysostom, of whom it is said that he was graviter suavis, et suaviter gravis, gravely sweet, and sweetly grave, and he was much admired for it! Gentle showers and dews that distil leisurely, comfort the earth; when dashing storms drown the seed. The words of wise men are by one well compared to the river Indus, which is said both to sow the East, and to water it; for so it may be said of the words of the wise, that they are both semina et flumina, both seeds and rivers: seeds, because they sow goodness in their hearers; rivers, because they water that which is sown to make it to grow in them. But the cry of fools is like a violent torrent, which washeth away that which it soweth, and doth not suffer it to continue in the ground. More than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.] Tremellius reads it, cum stolidis suis, with his fools; i.e., cum suo stulto senatu, with his foolish counsellors, who do commonly comply with him, to obtrude, with great authority, his unreasonable and tyrannical edicts and mandates. Zanch., Miscel.
Indus fluvius, et serere Orientem, dicitur, et rigare. - Minut. Felix in Octav.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:17
Verse 17. The words of wise men are heard in quiet] In the tumult of war the words of Archimedes were not heard; and his life was lost.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:17
17. The words of wise men are heard in quiet] The thought is like that of the “great cry and little wool” of the English proverb. That which tells on men, in the long run, is the wisdom whose words are wary, and calm, and few, not the declamation of the wind-bags of popular oratory. Comp. the description of the highest type of wisdom in Isaiah 42:2; Matthew 12:19. He that “ruleth among fools” is not the foolish ruler, but the man who takes the highest place in the company of fools, and graduates, as it were, as the Senior Wrangler in that class-list. Such an one is as the “prating fool” of Proverbs 10:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:17
17. An antithesis here begins, the concluding part of which is in the end of the next verse. The insertion of though, here, would give clearness to the thought. “Though the words of wise men,” etc.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Holiness and Unconscious Influence by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound and often unconscious influence of a holy life, illustrating how individuals filled with the Holy Spirit can inspire and bless others w |
|
The Tongue by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the feeling of being left behind and the horror it brings. He relates this to the concept of failing in the school of God and having to go b |
|
7) Wisdom for Sisters (Kannada) by Annie Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking divine wisdom for our earthly lives, distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom. It highlights the need for obedience to God's wor |
|
Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of acquiring wisdom in our lives, drawing insights from Psalms 90 and the life of Jesus. It highlights the need to submit to imperfect authori |
|
(Luke) 01a - Introduction Cont. by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Gospel of Luke and its portrayal of Jesus reaching out to the needy, humble, and broken. The sermon highlights the impact of a movie based |
|
Tongue Taming by David P. Murray | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power and impact of our words. He uses various illustrations to emphasize how something small, like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder |
|
Who Is Wise? by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment. He urges his listeners to make straight paths for their feet and not to stray from the right path. |