Chiasm

Ecclesiastes 9:13–18

Ecclesiastes 9:13–183 matched frames1 pivot

Read down to the center, where the pattern turns; then rise back out through its mirror.

A 13-14 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me: There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:
- B 15a Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city;
  - C 15b yet no man remembered that same poor man.
    - D 16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength:
  - C' 16b nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
- B' 17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
A' 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.