Why might the poor man's wisdom be forgotten despite saving the city? Verse in focus “Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.” (Ecclesiastes 9:15) The scene: a forgotten hero • A literal event Solomon records: a city under threat, rescue brought through one man’s God-given insight. • Immediate deliverance, yet no lasting gratitude. The man remains poor, and his name fades from public memory. Why might the poor man’s wisdom be forgotten? • Value systems twisted by sin – People prize wealth and status above godly wisdom (Proverbs 14:20; James 2:1-4, 6). – “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised” (Ecclesiastes 9:16). • Short human memory and ingratitude – “Of the ten cleansed, were not ten?” (Luke 17:17) — nine forgot their Benefactor. – 2 Timothy 3:2 foretells a culture “ungrateful, unholy.” • Pride resents dependence – Saved citizens don’t like admitting they owed everything to someone “beneath” them (Judges 8:34-35; Hosea 13:6). • No earthly platform or publicity – Rich benefactors fund monuments; the poor lack resources to memorialize their deeds (Proverbs 18:23). • Spiritual blindness to the Source of true wisdom – Wisdom’s Author is God (Proverbs 2:6). When hearts ignore Him, they ignore the vessel He used (John 1:10-11). • Distraction by the next crisis – Once danger passes, life rushes on. The cupbearer forgot Joseph two full years (Genesis 40:23). • The enemy’s strategy to silence testimonies – Satan works to bury stories that magnify God’s wisdom and humble human pride (2 Corinthians 4:4). Scripture echoes that reinforce the pattern • Jesus Himself, a carpenter from Nazareth, is dismissed: “Is this not the carpenter…?” (Mark 6:3). • Paul notes that not many wise, mighty, or noble are called, so God gets the glory (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). • Psalm 12:8 laments when “the wicked prowl and vileness is exalted.” The righteous can be sidelined. Lessons for today • Esteem godly wisdom above outward success. • Refuse partiality; honor the lowly who act righteously. • Cultivate gratitude; retell deliverance stories so they are not lost (Psalm 78:4). • Remember that God often chooses humble vessels to display His power, and those who overlook them risk overlooking Him. |
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