September 29
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ECCLESIASTES 9
13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. 14 There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 15 But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard. 17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. – Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
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ECCLESIASTES 9 THE POOR WISE MAN
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
In a city full of sinners came a poor man who confronted sin
He was bold and wasn’t afraid to expose the evils around him
Out of his love for these sinners, he gave up his life
He delivered the city from their bent nature to sin
Yet his sacrifice was not received by many
They didn’t recognize their need for being rescued.
The poor wise man spoke of truth that will free them
Yet these fools didn’t comprehend his wisdom
Instead, they continued to clamor for honor
They were all obsessing for greatness and power
Not knowing that these things won’t last forever
They stayed foolish in thinking they are respected.
The words of the poor wise man were finally heard
A chosen few listened carefully to each word he said
They realized and saw how these words changed them
They began to hunger for them and be transformed by it
Though there were few who remembered the poor wise man
They were bearing fruits from his word and they were never the same.
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REFLECTION
• What do you think Solomon was referring to in verses 14-15?