Ecclesiastes 9:17

Ecclesiastes 9:18 nasb — Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

NASB

"Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good."

— Ecclesiastes 9:18, NASB

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Ecclesiastes 9:18 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

KJV
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. ”
King James Version · Read this chapter in KJV
ASV
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good. ”
American Standard Version · Read this chapter in ASV
WEB
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.”
World English Bible · Read this chapter in WEB
NET
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.”
NET Bible · Read this chapter in NET
DRB
“Better is wisdom, than weapons of war: and he that shall offend in one, shall lose many good things. ”
Douay-Rheims Bible · Read this chapter in DRB
BBE
“Wisdom is better than instruments of war, but one sinner is the destruction of much good.”
Bible in Basic English · Read this chapter in BBE
KJVA
“Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. ”
King James Version with Apocrypha · Read this chapter in KJVA

Ecclesiastes 9 — Context

But there was found in it a poor wise man and he delivered the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man.

So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded.

The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Ecclesiastes 9:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions

What does Ecclesiastes 9:18 say?

Ecclesiastes 9:18 in the NASB reads: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”

Where is Ecclesiastes 9:18 in the Bible?

Ecclesiastes 9:18 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, verse 18.

Who wrote Ecclesiastes?

Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.

What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?

Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.

What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?

Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 9:18.

What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 9:18 in?

Ecclesiastes 9:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 9:18?

Ecclesiastes 9:18 reads (NASB): “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.

Ecclesiastes 9:18 nasb — Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Read in Another Translation

Ecclesiastes 9:18 in Other Translations

Ecclesiastes 9 — Context

Ecclesiastes 9:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

Choose Theme

Light Themes 19

Dark Themes 11

Colorful Themes 2