⁵Being wise is better than being strong;^m yes, knowledge is more important than strength. ⁶After all, you must make careful plans before you fight a battle, and the more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win.

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Footnotes

mSome ancient translations Being wise is better than being strong; Hebrew A person is wise in strength.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

A wise man is full of strength,

and a man of knowledge enhances his might,

for by wise guidance you can wage your war,

and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

The wise prevail through great power,

and those who have knowledge muster their strength.

Surely you need guidance to wage war,

and victory is won through many advisers.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

A wise warrior is better than a strong one,

and a man of knowledge than one of strength;

for you should wage war with sound guidance—

victory comes with many counselors.

NLTNew Living Translation

The wise are mightier than the strong,

and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

So don’t go to war without wise guidance;

victory depends on having many advisers.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

The warrior of wisdom is in strength,

and a man of knowledge is strong in power.

For with wise guidance you shall make war for yourself,

and victory is in an abundance of counsel.

KJV 1900King James Version

A wise man is strong;

Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war:

And in multitude of counsellers there is safety.

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