2 Samuel 20:16-22

16Then a wise woman called from the city, “Listen! Listen! Tell Joab, ‘Come here, that I may speak to you.’” 17And he came near her, and the woman said, “Are you Joab?” He answered, “I am.” Then she said to him, “Listen to the words of your servant.” And he answered, “I am listening.” 18Then she said, “They used to say in former times, ‘Let them but ask counsel at aAbel,’ and so they settled a matter. 19I am one of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why will you bswallow up cthe heritage of the Lord?” 20Joab answered, “Far be it from me, far be it, that I should dswallow up or destroy! 21That is not true. But a man of ethe hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” 22Then the woman went to all the people fin her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, gevery man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.

Ecclesiastes 7:19

19 hWisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

13I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. 14There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 15But there was found in it ia poor, wise man, and he by his jwisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16But I say that kwisdom is better than might, though lthe poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.

17The words of the wise heard in mquiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 nWisdom is better than weapons of war, but oone sinner destroys much good.

Copyright information for ESV