Right Without Recognition | Ecclesiastes 9:13-16

Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

Today, we’re looking at Ecclesiastes 9:13-16:

I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 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. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard. — Ecclesiastes 9:13-16

We love stories where the underdog wins. A small, outmatched city, a powerful enemy, and a poor man with nothing but wisdom—yet he saves the day. Sounds like the setup for a hero’s celebration, right? But here’s the twist: no one remembers him. No statues, no parades, no honor.

That stings.

Solomon is exposing a hard truth about life—wisdom is greater than raw power, but the world doesn’t always recognize it. Strength gets the spotlight. Wealth commands attention. But wisdom? It often goes unnoticed.

So, why be wise if no one listens?

Because true wisdom isn’t about applause. It’s about living rightly before God. The wise man in this story did the right thing, even without reward. That’s integrity. That’s godly wisdom—choosing what’s right because it’s right, not because of recognition.

And isn’t that a picture of Christ? The world rejected Him, yet His wisdom brought salvation. Many still ignore His words, but they remain the only path to life.

So today, don’t chase the applause of others. Choose wisdom. Even if no one notices, God does.

#GodlyWisdom, #LiveWithIntegrity, #EternalPerspective

ASK THIS:
When have you done the right thing without receiving recognition?
Why is it hard to pursue wisdom when the world values power and wealth?
How does this passage remind you of Christ’s sacrifice?
In what area of your life do you need to choose wisdom over approval?
DO THIS:
Choose wisdom over recognition today—do the right thing even if no one sees or praises you.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, help me to choose wisdom even when it goes unnoticed. Let me live for Your approval, not the applause of others. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
Thank You For It All.