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.

10 Dead flies make (H)the perfumer's ointment give off a stench;
    so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
(I)A wise man's heart inclines him to the right,
    but a fool's heart to the left.
Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,
    and he (J)says to everyone that he is a fool.

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