Wisdom's Quiet Power

Introduction: The Quiet Strength That Goes Unseen

In a world that celebrates loud success, celebrity, and brute strength, Ecclesiastes reminds us: wisdom—though often quiet and overlooked—is a treasure beyond measure. But it’s also fragile.

Ecclesiastes 9:13–18

Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 NIV

13 I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom 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 siege works 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. 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.

A Parable of Unexpected Wisdom

Qoheleth tells us a brief story—almost like a fable. A small city stands no chance against a mighty king. But deliverance comes not from a warrior or a wealthy strategist, but from an unlikely source: a poor man, wise but overlooked.

Here’s the first shock: wisdom doesn't always come from expected places.

In ancient society—and ours—poverty is often equated with insignificance. But this story challenges that idea. This poor man has no social clout, no power, no fame.

Just wisdom. And that is enough to save the day.

How often do we ignore voices of wisdom because they don’t come in the packages we expect?

The Irony of Forgotten Wisdom

“But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.”

There’s a sad irony here. The man’s wisdom worked—it saved the city! But once the danger passed, his value was forgotten. His words were not heard.

Human praise is often transient—here today, gone tomorrow.

We live in a world obsessed with the next big thing. Quiet wisdom, especially from someone with no celebrity status, gets pushed aside. People would rather follow strength, power, and charisma.

Qoheleth’s observation is painfully honest: people often despise what they desperately need.

Consider the story of Jesus. The crowds followed Him for miracles. But when He challenged them, they walked away. And at the cross, only a few remained. Wisdom incarnate was ignored and crucified.

The Limits and Fragility of Wisdom

“The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”

Two truths stand out here:

Wisdom speaks quietly. It doesn’t demand attention. It’s not showy. But it is better—more effective, more trustworthy—than the shouting of powerful but foolish leaders.

Wisdom can be undone. One sinner—one foolish act—can undo what wisdom has built.

That’s sobering. Wisdom, though powerful, is fragile in a fallen world. One moral failure, one reckless decision, one lapse in character can tear down what took years to build.

Where have you seen a single act of foolishness destroy a family, a ministry, a reputation, or a church?

Next Steps: Living in Light of Quiet Wisdom

So what do we do with this?

Value wisdom, even when it's not celebrated.

Pursue it. Listen for it. Practice it—even if no one sees. Even if it doesn’t trend.

Parents, this means passing on truth to your kids patiently.

Leaders, this means choosing what is right, not what is popular.

Church, this means listening to God’s Word over the world's noise.

Do not let wisdom be you god, but let it be you guide

Guard what wisdom builds.

Be mindful of how easy it is to undo good.

Don’t assume past wisdom guarantees future success—ongoing vigilance is required.

Sin can unravel a home, a church, a life. Guard your heart.

Listen for wisdom in quiet places.

Turn down the volume on the world.

Open your Bible.

Listen to the older saints.

Pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s gentle voice.

The world is filled with people pulling themselves up by the bootstraps. But the wise know they are being held up by grace.

The Forgotten Savior

The story in Ecclesiastes sounds like a faint echo of another story. A man of no reputation. A man despised and rejected. A man who quietly bore the weight of the world’s sin and offered salvation. Jesus is the true embodiment of this “poor wise man.” He saved not just a city, but the world—and yet He was rejected and forgotten by many.

And yet, His wisdom prevailed—not because the world recognized it, but because it was rooted in the will and power of God. That same God is the giver of wisdom today.

So don’t place your hope in being remembered. Don’t measure wisdom’s worth by how others respond to it. Instead, seek wisdom because it comes from God, and because it reflects His character—even when it goes unnoticed.

🡪 Closing Challenge: Are you pursuing wisdom—even when it’s quiet and uncelebrated? Are you guarding against the foolishness that can tear down what wisdom has built? Will you follow the path of the poor, wise man—even if the world forgets your name?

Questions for Further Reflection & Discussion

Why do you think people often forget or ignore wise counsel, even when it's effective?

Can you identify a time when wisdom quietly preserved something important in your life?

What are the “shouting voices” in your life right now? How might you quiet them to hear God’s wisdom?

What steps can you take to protect and preserve what wisdom has built in your family, church, or personal life?

Bibliography

Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991. Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003. Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003. Cone, Christopher. Life Beyond the Sun: An Introduction to Worldview & Philosophy through the Lens of Ecclesiastes. Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Seminary Press, 2009.

Youtube

🎙️ Sermon Title: Wisdom’s Quiet Power 📖 Text: Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 📅 Series: Ecclesiastes – The Quest for Meaning (Part 23)

In this message, Pastor Ryan explores a powerful parable about a poor wise man who saves a city—only to be forgotten. Ecclesiastes reminds us that true wisdom often goes unnoticed, yet it is more valuable than strength, fame, or weapons of war.

Join us as we reflect on the quiet power of godly wisdom, the fragility of what it builds, and the call to seek the wisdom that comes from God alone—even when it’s not celebrated by the world.

🔑 Key Verse: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:18)

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected. 📱 For more resources or to connect with our church, visit https://laughlinchurch.com

#Ecclesiastes #SermonSeries #Wisdom #BibleTeaching #LaughlinCommunityChurch

Sermon Notes

Here are sermon notes designed for your congregation to follow along and interact with during your message on Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 – "Wisdom’s Quiet Power." You can print or project these, or include them in a bulletin or app.

📝 Sermon Notes – Part 23

Title: Wisdom’s Quiet Power Text: Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 Key Verse: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (v. 18) Theme: Wisdom often goes unnoticed but is far more valuable than might or fame.

1. A Parable of Unexpected Wisdom (vv. 13–15)

🟩 What happens in the parable?

A ________ city

A ________ king

A ________ wise man who ________ the city

➡ What stands out to you about this story?

✍️ Reflection: Have you ever seen wisdom come from an unexpected place? Describe it.

2. The Irony of Forgotten Wisdom (v. 16)

“Wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.”

🟩 According to this verse, what is the tension between wisdom and recognition?

✍️ Reflection: Why do people often ignore or forget wise voices?

3. The Limits and Fragility of Wisdom (vv. 17–18)

🟩 What does Qoheleth say about:

The voice of wisdom: _____________________

The effect of one sinner: ___________________

➡ Wisdom may be powerful, but in a fallen world, it’s also __________.

✍️ Reflection: Where have you seen foolishness undo something good?

Application

🟢 Value wisdom even when it's not celebrated. 🟢 Guard what wisdom builds. 🟢 Listen for wisdom in quiet places.

✍️ Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to slow down and listen for God's quiet wisdom?

Discussion Questions (Optional Small Group Use)

Why do you think God allows wisdom to go unnoticed at times?

How can we learn to discern quiet wisdom over loud foolishness?

What is one step you can take this week to pursue or protect godly wisdom?

Bible study

Here's a YouTube description for your sermon:

🎙️ Sermon Title: Wisdom’s Quiet Power 📖 Text: Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 📅 Series: Ecclesiastes – The Quest for Meaning (Part 23)

In this message, Pastor Ryan explores a powerful parable about a poor wise man who saves a city—only to be forgotten. Ecclesiastes reminds us that true wisdom often goes unnoticed, yet it is more valuable than strength, fame, or weapons of war.

Join us as we reflect on the quiet power of godly wisdom, the fragility of what it builds, and the call to seek the wisdom that comes from God alone—even when it’s not celebrated by the world.

🔑 Key Verse: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:18)

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay connected. 📱 For more resources or to connect with our church, visit https://laughlinchurch.com

#Ecclesiastes #SermonSeries #Wisdom #BibleTeaching #LaughlinCommunityChurch

Would you like a short version for social media as well (Facebook/Instagram caption)?

Here are sermon notes designed for your congregation to follow along and interact with during your message on Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 – "Wisdom’s Quiet Power." You can print or project these, or include them in a bulletin or app.

📝 Sermon Notes – Part 23

Title: Wisdom’s Quiet Power Text: Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 Key Verse: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (v. 18) Theme: Wisdom often goes unnoticed but is far more valuable than might or fame.

1. A Parable of Unexpected Wisdom (vv. 13–15)

🟩 What happens in the parable?

A ________ city

A ________ king

A ________ wise man who ________ the city

➡ What stands out to you about this story?

✍️ Reflection: Have you ever seen wisdom come from an unexpected place? Describe it.

2. The Irony of Forgotten Wisdom (v. 16)

“Wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.”

🟩 According to this verse, what is the tension between wisdom and recognition?

✍️ Reflection: Why do people often ignore or forget wise voices?

3. The Limits and Fragility of Wisdom (vv. 17–18)

🟩 What does Qoheleth say about:

The voice of wisdom: _____________________

The effect of one sinner: ___________________

➡ Wisdom may be powerful, but in a fallen world, it’s also __________.

✍️ Reflection: Where have you seen foolishness undo something good?

Application

🟢 Value wisdom even when it's not celebrated. 🟢 Guard what wisdom builds. 🟢 Listen for wisdom in quiet places.

✍️ Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to slow down and listen for God's quiet wisdom?

Discussion Questions (Optional Small Group Use)

Why do you think God allows wisdom to go unnoticed at times?

How can we learn to discern quiet wisdom over loud foolishness?

What is one step you can take this week to pursue or protect godly wisdom?

Let me know if you’d like a fill-in-the-blank PDF version or if you want to include QR codes or app prompts for digital use.

Here is a 3-day Bible study to accompany your sermon “Wisdom’s Quiet Power” from Ecclesiastes 9:13–18. It includes reflections, word studies, and life application prompts to help your church family engage deeply with the message and prepare for what comes next.

Bible Study: Wisdom’s Quiet Power

Text: Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 Length: 3 Days Purpose: To reflect on the quiet, enduring value of godly wisdom, explore key Hebrew concepts from the passage, and apply it practically in life and relationships.

📖 Day 1 – The Poor, Wise Man Who Saved a City

Read: Ecclesiastes 9:13–15

Focus: The Value of Wisdom in Unlikely Places

Qoheleth recalls a true but overlooked story—a city on the verge of collapse is saved by a poor man’s wisdom. His wealth doesn’t save him. His fame doesn’t come. His wisdom is forgotten.

“But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city.” (v. 15a)

🔍 Hebrew Word Study: חָכְמָה (chokhmah) – Wisdom

This word is used multiple times in Ecclesiastes and the Hebrew Bible. Chokhmah refers not just to intellectual knowledge but to skillful, God-fearing living—practical wisdom grounded in reverence for God.

📌 See also: Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…”

💭 Reflect:

Where have you seen wisdom come from unexpected or humble places?

Why might God choose to work through the “poor and wise” rather than the powerful?

What voices in your life may be quietly offering wisdom, even if others overlook them?

🙏 Pray:

Ask God to help you value wisdom over appearance, status, or strength—and to tune your heart to hear the quiet voices of wisdom in your life.

📖 Day 2 – Forgotten Wisdom and Loud Fools

Read: Ecclesiastes 9:16–17

Focus: The World Often Ignores What Matters Most

“Wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.” “The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.”

We live in a world drawn to volume and power. But Scripture urges us to listen differently—to value quiet wisdom even when it’s not trendy, loud, or widely shared.

🔍 Hebrew Word Study: שַׁקֵט (shaqet) – Quiet / Still

In v. 17, “quiet” is from shaqet, a word that implies calmness, peacefulness, and undisturbed silence. God’s wisdom often comes this way—not through a storm, but through a still small voice (see 1 Kings 19:11–13).

📌 Challenge: In a loud world, are you making space for stillness so you can hear God's wisdom?

💭 Reflect:

When have you seen loud voices overpower quiet truth?

What practical steps can you take to better hear godly wisdom—especially in times of stress or decision-making?

Who do you need to stop listening to in order to better hear God?

🙏 Pray:

Pray for discernment—that God would help you distinguish between loud, foolish noise and His still, wise guidance.

📖 Day 3 – Fragile Wisdom and Foolish Destruction

Read: Ecclesiastes 9:18

Focus: Wisdom Builds; Foolishness Destroys

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

Qoheleth acknowledges a painful truth: it only takes one act of sin or foolishness to unravel what took years to build. Wisdom is strong, but in a fallen world, it’s also vulnerable. We must guard it.

🔍 Hebrew Word Study: חוֹטֵא (chote) – Sinner

From the root chata (חָטָא), which means “to miss the mark.” In this context, chote refers not merely to someone who disobeys, but someone who acts against God’s good design—bringing damage to what wisdom has preserved.

📌 Insight: Sometimes, the enemy of wisdom isn’t ignorance—it’s willful sin. The solution is not only knowing what's right but choosing to live in it.

💭 Reflect:

Can you think of a time when one foolish decision caused long-term damage? What did you learn?

What wisdom has God built into your life, family, or ministry that you need to guard carefully?

How does Christ’s wisdom help us overcome both the mistakes of others and our own?

🙏 Pray:

Ask God to help you protect what His wisdom has built in your life. Pray for humility, vigilance, and the strength to walk wisely.

📘 Looking Ahead: Preparing for Ecclesiastes 10

Ecclesiastes 10 continues the theme of wisdom and folly by offering proverbs about leadership, speech, laziness, and decision-making.

📖 Optional Reading: Ecclesiastes 10:1–4

“Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” (10:1)

🟢 How does that verse connect to 9:18? 🟢 Where is God calling you to be alert to small compromises that could lead to larger destruction?

Let me know if you'd like this formatted for print, integrated into a bulletin, or loaded into your church app.