Thoughts On Wisdom And Folly

[13] This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: [14] There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: [15] Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. [16] Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. [17] The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. [18] Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

[1] Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. [2] A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. [3] Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. [4] If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.

I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.