Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

 The Quiet Power of Wisdom

I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me. ~  Ecclesiastes 9:13

There’s a quiet kind of power in having wisdom that often goes unnoticed in the noise of the world. Today’s scripture reading gives us a striking picture: a poor, wise man saves a city from destruction by his wisdom, but afterward, no one remembers him. His name is forgotten. His contribution is overlooked. Yet, his wisdom changed everything. That can feel familiar, right?

Maybe you’ve done the right thing, spoken with grace instead of anger, stood firm in truth while others mocked or ignored you, or offered help when no one else stepped up, only for it to go unnoticed or forgotten. But here’s what this passage helps me remember: wisdom doesn’t need applause to be powerful.

In a world loud with ego and self-promotion, godly wisdom often moves in quiet strength. It doesn’t always make headlines. It may not earn a trophy. But it can change lives, save situations, and influence the future far beyond what we can see.

Below are some ways we can apply wisdom in our life today.

1. Pursue Wisdom Daily
   Wisdom doesn’t come overnight. It’s built one decision at a time through seeking God’s truth, listening to His Spirit, and learning from life. Start with His Word, especially books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and James. Ask God daily for His wisdom, and He will give it generously (James 1:5).
2. Choose Influence Over Attention
   Don’t worry about being seen, focus on being faithful. You may never get credit for the wise choices you make, but their impact will echo in ways you may never fully know this side of heaven.
3. Speak Carefully and Strategically
   Verse 17 says, The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. In tense conversations or moments of conflict, choose your words with care. A calm, thoughtful response can do more than loud persuasion ever will.
4. Honor the Quiet Heroes
   Notice the “poor wise people” around you, those who make a difference without demanding attention. Affirm them. Thank them. Sometimes our encouragement is the only recognition they receive, and it helps fuel their unseen faithfulness.
5. Value God’s Applause More Than Man’s
   When we know our wisdom is from Him, and our motives are to serve and glorify Him, we can rest even if the world forgets our name. Because God doesn’t.

At the beginning of this passage, Solomon is deeply impressed by what he calls a “great example of wisdom.” Not because it made headlines, but because it made a difference. That’s the kind of legacy we’re invited to live. Not for fame or recognition, but to be used by God in powerful, even if quiet, ways.

So today I want to encourage you to Live wisely, speak gently, love deeply, and trust God with the results. You may not always be seen, but you will always matter.

And your wisdom that is rooted in Him, can be the very thing that saves a situation, a relationship, or a city.

Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 9:13-18Top of Form

13 This wisdom I have also seen 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, besieged it, and built great snares around it.

15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man.

16 Then I said: “Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

17 Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good.”