12 No one can predict misfortune.
Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds in a trap,
So men and women are caught
By accidents evil and sudden.

Wisdom Is Better than Muscle

13-15 One day as I was observing how wisdom fares on this earth, I saw something that made me sit up and take notice. There was a small town with only a few people in it. A strong king came and mounted an attack, building trenches and attack posts around it. There was a poor but wise man in that town whose wisdom saved the town, but he was promptly forgotten. (He was only a poor man, after all.)

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message, Numbered Edition
The Message, Numbered Edition
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $25.99
Save: $14.00 (35%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gospel of John
The Message Gospel of John
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $4.49
Save: $0.50 (10%)
The Message Student Bible (Hardcover)
The Message Student Bible (Hardcover)
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $24.99
Save: $10.00 (29%)