^19 (A)Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

⁹ And so, ^(A)from the day we heard, ^(B)we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that ^(C)you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all ^(D)spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰ so as ^(E)to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, ^(F)fully pleasing to him: ^(G)bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ^11 (H)being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for ^(I)all endurance and patience ^(J)with joy;

¹³ I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. ¹⁴ There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. ¹⁵ But there was found in it ^(A)a poor, wise man, and he by his ^(B)wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. ¹⁶ But I say that ^(C)wisdom is better than might, though ^(D)the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.

¹⁷ The words of the wise heard in ^(E)quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. ^18 (F)Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but ^(G)one sinner destroys much good.

¹⁶ Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’” ¹⁷ And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” ¹⁸ Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at ^(A)Abel,’ and so they settled a matter. ¹⁹ I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you ^(B)swallow up ^(C)the heritage of the Lord?” ²⁰ Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should ^(D)swallow up or destroy! ²¹ That is not true. But a man of ^(E)the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” ²² Then the woman went to all the people ^(F)in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, ^(G)every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.