¹⁷ The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded
than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
¹⁸ Wisdom is better than weapons of war,
but one sinner destroys much good.(Ecclesiastes 9:17-18)

 ¹³ I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: ¹⁴ There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. ¹⁵ Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. ¹⁶ So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded. (Ecclesiastes 9:13-16)

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The difference of one. Those who believe in the Great Man Theory contend that essentially all of mankind’s history can be explained in terms of the particular individuals who bring about a significant change or changes during an era of time. The life of the one affects the lives of the many, leaving an historical impact, which may be one of great positivity or great negativity.

The “sinner who destroys much good” creates a riptide effect through history, causing a violent disturbance. The “quiet words of the wise” result in a ripple effect, seemingly small at first, but extending outward to places and people we can’t even imagine, causing changes that, like small cracks in a dam, can burst forth in ways only God can direct.

Although you and I may not be contenders in the “Great Man” theory of history, we can speak quietly the “words of the wise” from the One who has true wisdom and make an impact on those around and beyond us. Even when it seems that wisdom is “no longer heeded,” we must continue to proclaim it calmly, consistently and without enmity, hostility, antagonism, or animosity. Let us remember the words of the Teacher:

“Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious.” (Ecclesiastes 10:12).

“…calmness can lay great offenses to rest. “(Ecclesiastes 10:4).

 A sinner may try to destroy “much good” in our city, our state, our country, and our world–but when we carry the love of Christ within us and share the wisdom of the Almighty around us, goodness cannot be destroyed.

“Wisdom, and its quest, breed kindness and compassion.” ¹

Let us be ripples in time,

Patient with God’s plans,

Calmly speaking His wisdom,

Through our words and deeds,

That goodness may prevail.

 ¹Author unknown. https://www.psychologytoday.com

(Sharon G. Tate blog 05/15/16) teacherforjesus.com  Meditations on God’s Word