¹⁶ So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.^(A)

Achan’s Sin

7 But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things^[a];^(A) Achan^(B) son of Karmi, the son of Zimri,^[b] the son of Zerah,^(C) of the tribe of Judah,^(D) took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned^(E) against Israel.^(F)

¹¹ Israel has sinned;^(A) they have violated my covenant,^(B) which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied,^(C) they have put them with their own possessions.^(D)

¹² That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies;^(A) they turn their backs^(B) and run^(C) because they have been made liable to destruction.^(D) I will not be with you anymore^(E) unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.