What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 9:15? Now a poor wise man was found in the city • Scripture spotlights a man whose only apparent asset is wisdom, not wealth or status. God often chooses the overlooked to accomplish His purposes (see 1 Corinthians 1:27; James 2:5). • The pairing of “poor” and “wise” underlines that true wisdom is not tied to material prosperity (Proverbs 16:16). • In Solomon’s larger argument, this line reminds us that life “under the sun” does not always reward righteousness with riches (Ecclesiastes 7:15). and he saved the city by his wisdom • Without military might or political clout, this man rescues an entire population—echoing accounts like the wise woman of Abel who averted Joab’s siege (2 Samuel 20:16-22) and Joseph who preserved Egypt through God-given insight (Genesis 41:39-41). • The verse affirms Proverbs 24:5, “A wise man is strong,” and Proverbs 21:22, where wisdom topples defenses that brute force cannot. • God often delivers through unexpected means so that glory points back to Him rather than human power (Judges 7:2). Yet no one remembered that poor man • Human gratitude is fickle; once the crisis passes, the instrument God used is forgotten. Israel treated Gideon similarly after he delivered them (Judges 8:34-35). • Jesus experienced the same pattern when only one healed leper returned to give thanks (Luke 17:17-18). • The verse exposes the fleeting nature of earthly honor, reinforcing Solomon’s theme that “everything is futile” when viewed solely from an earthly perspective (Ecclesiastes 1:2). • For believers, this neglect serves as a healthy reminder to seek God’s approval over human applause (Colossians 3:23-24). summary Ecclesiastes 9:15 depicts an unnamed, impoverished man whose God-given wisdom rescues an endangered city, only for his heroic act to fade from collective memory. The scene illustrates three enduring truths: God delights in using humble vessels; wisdom triumphs where strength fails; and worldly recognition is fleeting. Therefore, pursue the wisdom that comes from above, serve faithfully even when unseen, and anchor your hope in the Lord who never forgets His faithful ones (Hebrews 6:10). |
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