Ecclesiastes 9:16

“Then said I, wisdom [is] better than strength, etc.] Wisdom of mind, even in a poor man, is better than strength of body, even of the, most potent prince and powerful army, as may be concluded from the above instance; since the poor wise man could do more by his wisdom than the great king with his mighty army; who was obliged to break up the siege, in consequence of the counsel given, or the methods directed to, or taken, by the poor man; nevertheless, the poor man’s wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard; notwithstanding such a flagrant instance and example as this just mentioned; yet men still retain their prejudices against a poor man, and despise his wise counsels and advice,…”

“Resuming the sentiment (Ecc 7:19; Pro 21:22; Pro 24:5). poor man's wisdom is despised--not the poor man mentioned in Ecc 9:15; for his wisdom could not have saved the city, had "his words not been heard"; but poor men in general. So Paul (Act 27:11).”

“Wisdom: Ecc 9:18, Ecc 7:19; Pro 21:22, Pro 24:5 the poor: Pro 10:15; Mar 6:2, Mar 6:3; Joh 7:47-49, Joh 9:24-34; Co1 1:26-29; Jam 2:2-6 Ecclesiastes 9:17”

“"And I said: Better is wisdom than strength; but the wisdom of the poor is despised, and his words are not heard." With the words, "I saw," the author introduces his observations, and with "I said" his reflections. Wisdom is better than strength, since it does more for the wise man, and through him for others, than physical force, - more, as expressed in Ecc 7:19, than ten mighty men. But the respect which wisdom otherwise secures for a man, if it is the wisdom of a poor man, sinks into despect, to which his poverty exposes him, - if necessity arises, his service, as the above history shows, is valued; but as a rule his words are unheeded, for the crowd estimate the worth of him whom they…”