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

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 9:18

King James Version

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

English Standard Version

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

The Message

18 Wisdom is better than warheads, But one hothead can ruin the good earth.

New King James Version

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good."

New Living Translation

18 Better to have wisdom than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:18

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

(Read Ecclesiastes 9:13-18)

A man may, by his wisdom, bring to pass that which he could never do by his strength. If God be for us, who can be against us, or stand before us? Solomon observes the power of wisdom, though it may labour under outward disadvantages. How forcible are right words! But wise and good men must often content themselves with the satisfaction of having done good, or, at least, endeavoured to do it, when they cannot do the good they would, nor have the praise they should. How many of the good gifts, both of nature and Providence, does one sinner destroy and make waste! He who destroys his own soul destroys much good. One sinner may draw many into his destroying ways. See who are the friends and enemies of a kingdom or a family, if one saint does much good, and one sinner destroys much good.