Ecclesiastes 9:15
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easily missed here is the stark contrast between the immense impact of the poor man's wisdom and the utter lack of recognition he received. His wisdom wasn't just helpful; it was city-saving, yet the text emphasizes that his significant contribution was immediately forgotten, highlighting how little the world often values crucial wisdom, especially when it comes from humble origins.
But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The passage highlights how wisdom, even when it achieves great things, can be overlooked, especially when it comes from someone of humble status. Solomon, reflecting on the common, often unrewarded nature of wisdom, points to a specific instance where a poor but wise man saved a city through his counsel, yet was quickly forgotten by those he rescued. This contrasts with brute strength and emphasizes the fleeting recognition often given to true service, especially when it doesn't bring personal gain or public acclaim to the benefactor.
What good is wisdom if it doesn't bring you fame or fortune? This verse reveals a stark reality about the impact of wisdom versus its rewards.
Ecclesiastes highlights that true wisdom has the power to achieve great things, even saving an entire city. This man, despite his poverty, stepped up and used his insight to avert disaster. His wisdom was a force for good, accomplishing what strength or resources might not have.
However, the text doesn't suggest his wisdom brought him personal gain. In fact, the narrative emphasizes his poverty and the fact that, once the crisis was over, he was completely forgotten. This isn't a failure of wisdom, but a commentary on how the world often fails to recognize or reward true service, especially when it comes from those who are overlooked.
Imagine averting a catastrophe only to fade back into anonymity. This verse exposes the painful irony of service that leads to obscurity.
The story in Ecclesiastes 9:15 presents a powerful, albeit somber, picture of ingratitude. A city was facing destruction, and it was a 'poor, wise man' who intervened with his insight, saving everyone. His contribution was monumental, yet the text cruelly states, 'yet no one remembered that same poor man.'
This isn't just about one man's forgotten deed. It’s a reflection on human nature and the transient nature of recognition. When a crisis hits, people look for a hero. But once the danger passes, the memory of the hero can fade just as quickly, especially if that hero doesn't fit the mold of power or prestige. The verse points to a deep human tendency to forget the source of our blessings when we no longer feel threatened.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
misken · Hebrew Adjective
Describes an individual possessing little material wealth or social status. Biblically, the poor are often subjects of divine concern, and their humility can sometimes be the vessel through which God works.
This passage directly parallels the theme of being forgotten after rendering a service, as the chief cupbearer forgot Joseph after Joseph's wise interpretation of his dream.
2 Samuel 20:16Although this story involves a 'wise woman' and not a 'poor wise man,' it presents a similar scenario where clever counsel from an unexpected source saves a city from destruction.
Luke 2:47This verse highlights Jesus' wisdom at a young age, showing a contrast to the 'poor wise man' in Ecclesiastes who, despite his wisdom, remained unremembered.
1 Corinthians 1:20Paul directly contrasts worldly wisdom with God's wisdom, echoing the idea that true wisdom, even when it achieves great things, is often overlooked or unvalued by the world.
Philippians 2:3This passage encourages humility and considering others better than ourselves, aligning with the character of the unremembered wise man who acted for the city's good without seeking recognition.
wesleyEcclesiastes 9:15: "Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man."
9:15 Yet - He was soon neglected and his great service forgotten.
henryEcclesiastes 9:13-18: "This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:"
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…
What's easily missed here is the stark contrast between the immense impact of the poor man's wisdom and the utter lack of recognition he received. His wisdom wasn't just helpful; it was city-saving, yet the text emphasizes that his significant contribution was immediately forgotten, highlighting how little the world often values crucial wisdom, especially when it comes from humble origins.
The passage highlights how wisdom, even when it achieves great things, can be overlooked, especially when it comes from someone of humble status. Solomon, reflecting on the common, often unrewarded nature of wisdom, points to a specific instance where a poor but wise man saved a city through his counsel, yet was quickly forgotten by those he rescued. This contrasts with brute strength and emphasizes the fleeting recognition often given to true service, especially when it doesn't bring personal gain or public acclaim to the benefactor.
The passage highlights how wisdom, even when it achieves great things, can be overlooked, especially when it comes from someone of humble status. Solomon, reflecting on the common, often unrewarded nature of wisdom, points to a specific instance where a poor but wise man saved a city through his counsel, yet was quickly forgotten by those he rescued. This contrasts with brute strength and emphasizes the fleeting recognition often given to true service, especially when it doesn't bring personal gain or public acclaim to the benefactor.
"But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man." — What's easily missed here is the stark contrast between the immense impact of the poor man's wisdom and the utter lack of recognition he received. His wisdom wasn't just helpful; it was *city-sav…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
