Wise men, though poor, as may be gathered both from the foregoing relation, and because he is opposed to the ruling fool in the next clause, are heard, to wit, by wise men; or should be heard, as such words are oft taken, as Zechariah 1:6, and elsewhere; for that they were not always actually heard, he declared in the last words of the foregoing verse. In quiet; uttered with a modest and low voice, to which the following cry is opposed. The cry, the clamorous and senseless discourses, of him that ruleth among fools; of a rich and potent, but foolish man, who hath some influence upon fools, like himself, but is justly neglected, and his words disregarded, by wise men.
Related Commentaries of Ecclesiastes 9:17
Ecclesiastes 9:17
17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.