July 5 – A Leader’s Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 7:19

"Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city."

SITREP:

What kind of strength does a leader really need? Muscles and medals have their place, but Ecclesiastes 7:19 drills down into a different source of power—wisdom. This isn’t about intellect or cleverness. It’s about spiritual discernment. And according to this verse, one man walking in true wisdom is more effective than ten rulers without it.

Breaking Down the Verse:

"Wisdom makes one wise person…" — Wisdom isn’t some distant, mystical force. It’s accessible. It’s learned. It’s practiced. And it changes a person.

"…more powerful…" — True wisdom amplifies influence. It outlasts brute force and outmaneuvers political authority.

"…than ten rulers in a city." — Ten people with title and rank are still no match for one individual led by God’s truth.

Solomon knew the difference. He’d seen how positions of power could be filled by fools—and how a single voice of wisdom could change the tide. Leadership isn’t about how many follow you. It’s about whether what you speak and decide is anchored in divine understanding.

How a Combat Veteran Can Live This Out:

Every warrior knows that strength alone doesn’t win every battle. Ecclesiastes 7:19 reminds every soldier of faith that a leader’s edge isn’t just force—it’s wisdom earned in the field and guided by God.

You’ve seen leaders freeze under pressure, and others who made reckless decisions that cost lives. You’ve learned to value the ones who thought before they moved—who read the field before they fired. You’ve followed orders—but also learned when to think critically in the gaps.

Now God is asking you to lead like that—with wisdom:

·         Not noise. Not arrogance. Not bravado.

·         Wisdom that comes from fearing God, knowing His Word, and submitting your judgment to His.

You may not sit on a throne or carry a title, but if you carry wisdom, you carry authority that surpasses many.

ENDEX:

The loudest leader isn’t always the strongest—the wisest one is. Soldier, if you’ve been called to lead, then you’ve also been called to seek wisdom with everything you have. Don’t rely on gut alone. Don’t copy poor examples. Let God’s Word be your command manual. Because one man with wisdom, led by God, can do more than ten without it.

AAR:

Are you leaning on loud voices or lasting wisdom? Ecclesiastes 7:19 reminds us that true strength isn't just muscle or might—it’s wisdom. And not the kind you pick up in motivational reels or group chats. This is tested, time-worn, God-given discernment that can outmaneuver a city full of warriors. You’ve seen it before—leaders who win battles with calm insight while others flail with brute force. Your challenge: Stop chasing noise and start pursuing wisdom. Open your Bible before you open your mouth. Let godly insight—not impulse—shape your next decision.

Wisdom Is a Better Weapon Than Strength

The battlefield honors strength, but eternity honors wisdom. A wise soldier can prevent a war that brute force would only ignite. That’s what Ecclesiastes is getting at—wisdom doesn’t just defend; it preserves. You can be the strongest man in the room and still lose the fight if you charge without understanding. But when God grants you wisdom, you don’t just survive the fight—you navigate it with precision. Train your mind like you train your body. Seek wisdom like it’s mission-critical—because in God’s economy, it is.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.