“The quiet words of the wise
Are more to be heeded
Than the shouting of a ruler
Among fools.
Wisdom is better
Than weapons of war.
But one bungler
Destroys much good.”
Qoheleth believes that you should listen to the quiet words of the wise rather than the shouting of a ruler among fools. This is somewhat revolutionary saying that the wise are better than the rulers. This strong statement indicates that wisdom is better than war weapons. However, there is a caveat. One bungler can destroy much good.