The calm words of the wise
This phrase emphasizes the value of wisdom and the demeanor in which it is often expressed. In biblical context, wisdom is frequently associated with a quiet and gentle spirit, as seen in Proverbs 17:27, which states that a person of understanding is even-tempered. The calmness here suggests a contrast to the chaos and noise often associated with folly. In the New Testament, James 3:17 describes wisdom from above as pure, peaceable, and gentle, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom is not only about knowledge but also about the manner of its delivery. This reflects the character of Jesus Christ, who often spoke with authority yet with calmness and compassion, as seen in His interactions throughout the Gospels.

are heeded over
The concept of being "heeded" implies that the words of the wise are not only spoken but also listened to and respected. This aligns with the biblical principle that wisdom leads to understanding and discernment, as seen in Proverbs 1:5, where the wise listen and add to their learning. The idea of heeding wisdom is also a recurring theme in the teachings of Jesus, who often called for His followers to listen and understand His parables and teachings, as in Matthew 13:9. The emphasis on being heeded suggests that wisdom has a lasting impact, influencing decisions and actions.

the shouts of a ruler among fools
This phrase contrasts the calm wisdom with the loud, often chaotic, declarations of a ruler surrounded by foolishness. In historical and cultural context, rulers in ancient times were often surrounded by advisors, and the quality of their counsel could greatly affect their reign. The Bible provides examples of rulers who listened to poor advice, such as Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12, who rejected the counsel of the elders and followed the advice of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom. The "shouts" imply a lack of control and discernment, often associated with folly. This contrast highlights the biblical theme that true leadership is marked by wisdom and understanding, not by noise and chaos. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 13:20, which warns that a companion of fools suffers harm.

1. The Wise
Represents those who possess godly wisdom, often characterized by calmness and discernment.

2. The Ruler
Symbolizes authority figures who may lack wisdom, often leading with loudness and force rather than understanding.

3. Fools
Represents those who reject wisdom and understanding, often characterized by loud and reckless behavior.

4. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, known for his wisdom and reflective insights on life.

5. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which Ecclesiastes was written, providing a backdrop of a society familiar with both wise and foolish leadership.The Power of Calmness
In a world often dominated by noise and chaos, the calm words of the wise can bring clarity and peace. As believers, we are called to embody this calmness, reflecting the peace of Christ in our interactions.

Wisdom Over Authority
True authority is not about volume or force but about wisdom and understanding. We should seek to influence others through godly wisdom rather than relying on positional power or loudness.

Discernment in Leadership
Whether in the church, workplace, or home, discernment is crucial. We should pray for and seek leaders who exemplify the calm wisdom described in Ecclesiastes 9:17.

The Value of Listening
The verse underscores the importance of listening to wise counsel. As followers of Christ, we should prioritize listening to those who speak with godly wisdom, even if their voices are not the loudest.

Cultivating a Wise Heart
Wisdom is not just about knowledge but about the heart's posture. We should continually seek to cultivate a heart that values and produces wisdom, aligning with God's truth.Verses 17, 18. - Section 10. Here follow some proverbial sayings concerning wisdom and its opposite, which draw the moral from the story in the text. Verse 17. - The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. This verse would be better translated, Words of the wise in quiet are heard better than the shout of a chief among fools. The Vulgate takes the tranquility to appertain to the hearers, thus: Verbs sapientium audiuntur in silentio; but, as Delitzsch points out, the contrast between "quiet" and "cry" shows that it is the man, and not his auditors, who is quiet. The sentence says that a wise man's words, uttered calmly, deliberately, without pompous declamation or adventitious aids, are of more value than the blustering vociferation of an arch-fool, who seeks to force acceptance for his folly by loudness and swagger (comp. Isaiah 30:15; and see Isaiah 42:2 and Matthew 12:19, passages which speak of the peacefulness, reticence, and unobtrusiveness of true wisdom, as seen in the Son of God). The verse introduces a kind of exception to the general rejection of wisdom mentioned above. Though the multitude turn a deaf ear to a wise man's counsel, yet this tells in the long run, and there are always some teachable persons-who sit at his feet and learn from him. "He that ruleth among fools" is not one that governs a silly people, but one who is a prince of fools, who takes the highest place among such.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The calm
בְּנַ֖חַת (bə·na·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5183: A descent, imposition, unfavorable, favorable, restfulness

words
דִּבְרֵ֣י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the wise
חֲכָמִ֔ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise

are heeded
נִשְׁמָעִ֑ים (niš·mā·‘îm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

over the shouts
מִזַּעֲקַ֥ת (miz·za·‘ă·qaṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2201: A shriek, outcry

of a ruler
מוֹשֵׁ֖ל (mō·wō·šêl)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign

among fools.
בַּכְּסִילִֽים׃ (bak·kə·sî·lîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool


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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 9:17 The words of the wise heard (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.)