Ecclesiastes 9:16 says, Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.   Solomon continues his discussion of strength versus wisdom, concluding that wisdom is better.  There seems to be an idea today that because we are stronger, whether individually or as a nation, that we should use and rely on that strength to insure that we get what we want.  I believe that Solomon was saying that even if we have the strength, we are to look to wisdom, to God's will, for the answers to the problems in life.  We, as God's people, are not called on to bully others into accepting Christ, but we are to reach them through love and compassion.  We are not called on to beat plow shares into swords, but just the opposite.  Verse seventeen says, The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.  Those who live by wisdom do not have to shout it from the roof tops.  People who are truly looking for wisdom, for the will of God, will hear it no matter how softly it is spoken.  Those who are looking to elevate their own status may shout their words as loud as possible, but those truly seeking God's way will not be swayed by the volume of their words.  There are a lot of angry words shouted by the rulers of the world today, speaking about what they are going to do to their enemies, but we must listen to the voice of God.  Verse eighteen says, Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much gold.  Wisdom is better than weapons according to Solomon, but we look to weapons for solutions.  As God's people, we are to act in wisdom when we are dealing with those around us, whether individually or as a nation.  According to Solomon, we cannot rely on the weapons of war to find peace and security.  We must rely on the knowledge of God.