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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 4:12">◄</a> Ecclesiastes 4:13 <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 4:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A poor yet wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows <i>how</i> to receive instruction—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A poor, yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows <i>how</i> to receive instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows <i>how</i> to receive warning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A poor yet wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction <i>and</i> counsel (friendly reproof, warning)—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You may be poor and young, but if you are wise, you are better off than a foolish old king who won't listen to advice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A young man who is poor and wise is better than an old, foolish king who won't take advice any longer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A poor but wise youth is better than an old but foolish king who will no longer accept correction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive advice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn't know how to receive admonition any more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Better is a poor and a wise child, than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who has not known to be warned anymore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who hath not known to be warned any more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good a poor and wise child above an old and foolish king, who knew not more to receive instruction.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better is a child that is poor and wise, than a king that is old and foolish, who knoweth not to foresee for hereafter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Better is a boy, poor and wise, than a king, old and foolish, who does not know to look ahead for the sake of posterity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows caution;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king, who will no longer take advice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Better is a youth who is poor and wise than a king who is old and foolish, and does not know how to receive admonition.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Better a boy who is poor and wise than an old King who is foolish and still does not know how to take warning<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who knows not how to take heed any longer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=771" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/4.htm">The Futility of Power</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Better</a> <a href="/hebrew/4542.htm" title="4542: mis·kên (Adj-ms) -- Poor. From cikluwth; indigent.">is a poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: wə·ḥā·ḵām (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">but wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: ye·leḏ (N-ms) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">youth</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: zā·qên (Adj-ms) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">than an old</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ū·ḵə·sîl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">but foolish</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mim·me·leḵ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">longer</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knows</a> <a href="/hebrew/2094.htm" title="2094: lə·hiz·zā·hêr (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To gleam, to enlighten. A primitive root; to gleam; figuratively, to enlighten.">how to take a warning.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Proverbs 19:20</a></span><br />Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></span><br />He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Proverbs 21:11</a></span><br />When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6</a></span><br />Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Proverbs 15:5</a></span><br />A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">1 Kings 12:1-19</a></span><br />Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. / When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since. / So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-1.htm">2 Chronicles 10:1-19</a></span><br />Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. / When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he returned from Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon. / So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and all Israel came to Rehoboam and said, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/32-9.htm">Job 32:9</a></span><br />It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-99.htm">Psalm 119:99-100</a></span><br />I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3-4</a></span><br />“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. / Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-17.htm">Luke 18:17</a></span><br />Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.</p><p class="hdg">is a poor</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:15,16</a></b></br> Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-2.htm">Genesis 37:2</a></b></br> These <i>are</i> the generations of Jacob. Joseph, <i>being</i> seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad <i>was</i> with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Proverbs 19:1</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> the poor that walketh in his integrity, than <i>he that is</i> perverse in his lips, and is a fool.</p><p class="hdg">will no more be</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-8.htm">1 Kings 22:8</a></b></br> And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, <i>There is</i> yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/16-9.htm">2 Chronicles 16:9,10</a></b></br> For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of <i>them</i> whose heart <i>is</i> perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/24-20.htm">2 Chronicles 24:20-22</a></b></br> And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Admonished</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-20.htm">Admonition</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Child</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Others</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-20.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Warning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-19.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm">Young</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-12.htm">Admonished</a> <a href="/malachi/2-1.htm">Admonition</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-3.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Better</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Child</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-10.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-15.htm">Lad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Others</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-19.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-11.htm">Warning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-10.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-8.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Young</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-1.htm">vanity is increased unto men by oppression</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">by envy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-5.htm">by idleness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-7.htm">by covetousness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">by solitariness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">by willfulness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Better is a poor but wise youth</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of wisdom over wealth and status. In biblical times, youth were often seen as inexperienced, yet this passage highlights that wisdom can be found in unexpected places. The Bible frequently elevates wisdom as a divine gift (<a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a>). The mention of a "poor" youth suggests humility and openness to learning, qualities that are esteemed in Scripture (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>). This contrasts with the worldly view that equates wealth with success.<p><b>than an old but foolish king</b><br>The contrast here is stark: age and position do not guarantee wisdom. In ancient Israel, kings were expected to lead with discernment and justice, as seen in the reign of Solomon, who initially asked God for wisdom (<a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a>). However, the term "foolish" indicates a departure from godly wisdom, which can lead to downfall, as seen in the later years of Solomon's reign (<a href="/1_kings/11-4.htm">1 Kings 11:4</a>). This serves as a warning against complacency and pride.<p><b>who no longer knows how to take a warning</b><br>This phrase underscores the danger of ignoring counsel and correction. In the biblical context, prophets often served as God's messengers to warn kings and nations (<a href="/2_samuel/12.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-15</a>). A king who refuses to heed warnings is likened to those who harden their hearts against God (<a href="/exodus/7-13.htm">Exodus 7:13</a>). This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate wise king, always receptive to the will of the Father (<a href="/john/5-30.htm">John 5:30</a>). The inability to accept correction is a sign of spiritual decline and is cautioned against throughout Scripture (<a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_youth.htm">Wise Youth</a></b><br>Represents someone who, despite lacking material wealth, possesses wisdom and the ability to learn and grow.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/o/old_foolish_king.htm">Old Foolish King</a></b><br>Symbolizes a person in a position of power who has become complacent, resistant to advice, and unable to heed warnings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was a king known for his wisdom, which adds depth to the contrast between wisdom and folly in leadership.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation over which Solomon reigned, providing a historical context for understanding the dynamics of leadership and wisdom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/warnings.htm">Warnings</a></b><br>Implies the presence of advisors or circumstances that offer guidance, which the foolish king fails to acknowledge.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_wisdom_over_wealth_and_power.htm">Value of Wisdom Over Wealth and Power</a></b><br>True wisdom is more valuable than material wealth or high status. It guides decision-making and leads to a fulfilling life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_complacency_in_leadership.htm">The Danger of Complacency in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders must remain open to advice and correction. Complacency can lead to poor decisions and eventual downfall.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility_and_teachability.htm">The Importance of Humility and Teachability</a></b><br>Humility allows individuals to remain teachable and open to growth, regardless of age or position.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_wisdom.htm">Seeking Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to those who ask.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heeding_warnings_and_advice.htm">Heeding Warnings and Advice</a></b><br>Ignoring wise counsel can lead to negative consequences. It is crucial to listen and respond to warnings.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) The section commencing here presents great difficulties of interpretation, in overcoming which we have little help from the context, on account of the abruptness with which, in this verse, a new subject is introduced.<p><span class= "bld">Poor.</span>--The word occurs again in this book (<a href="/context/ecclesiastes/9-15.htm" title="Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.">Ecclesiastes 9:15-16</a>), but not elsewhere in the Old Testament: kindred words occur in <a href="/deuteronomy/8-9.htm" title="A land wherein you shall eat bread without scarceness, you shall not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you may dig brass.">Deuteronomy 8:9</a>; <a href="/isaiah/40-20.htm" title="He that is so impoverished that he has no oblation chooses a tree that will not rot; he seeks to him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved.">Isaiah 40:20</a>. No confidence can be placed in the attempts made to find a definite historical reference in this verse and the next.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 13-16.</span> - High place offers no assurance of security. A king's popularity is never permanent; he is supplanted by some clever young aspirant for a time, whose influence in turn soon evaporates, and the subject-people reap no benefit from the change. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king.</span> The word translated "child" (<span class="accented">yeled</span>), is used sometimes of one beyond childhood (see <a href="/genesis/30-26.htm">Genesis 30:26</a>; <a href="/genesis/37-30.htm">Genesis 37:30</a>; <a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8</a>), so here it may be rendered "youth." <span class="accented">Misken</span>, <span class="greek">πενὴς</span> (Septuagint), <span class="accented">pauper</span> (Vulgate), "poor," is found also at <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:15, 16</a>, and nowhere else; but the root, with an analogous signification, occurs at <a href="/deuteronomy/8-9.htm">Deuteronomy 8:9</a> and <a href="/isaiah/40-20.htm">Isaiah 40:20</a>. The clause says that a youth who is clever and adroit, though sprung from a sordid origin, is better off than a king who has not learned wisdom with his years, and who, it is afterwards implied, is dethroned by this young man. <span class="cmt_word">Who will no more be admonished</span>; better, as in the Revised Version, <span class="accented">who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more</span>. Age has only fossilized his self-will and obstinacy; and though he was once open to advice and hearkened to reproof, he now bears no contradiction and takes no counsel. Septuagint, <span class="greek">Ὅς οὐκ ἔγνω τοῦ</span> <span class="greek">προέχειν ἔτι</span>, "Who knows not how to take heed any longer;" which is perhaps similar to the Vulgate, <span class="accented">Qui nescit praevidere in posterum</span>, "Who knows not how to look forward to the future." The words will bear this translation, and it accords with one view of the author's meaning (see below); but that given above is more suitable to the interpretation of the paragraph which approves itself to us. The sentence is of general import, and may be illustrated by a passage from the Book of Wisdom (4. 8, 9), "Honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by length of years. But wisdom is the grey hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age." So Cicero, 'De Senect.,' 18:62, "Non cant nee rugae repente auctoritatem arripere possunt, sod honeste acta superior aetas fructus capit aactoritatis extremes." Some have thought that Solomon is here speaking of himself, avowing his folly and expressing his contrition, in view of his knowledge of Jeroboam's delegation to the kingdom - the crafty youth of poor estate (<a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">1 Kings 11:26</a>, etc.), whom the Prophet Ahijah had warned of approaching greatness. But there is nothing in the recorded history of Solomon to make probable such expression of self-abasement, and our author could never have so completely misrepresented him. Here, too, is another proof that Ecclesiastes is not written by Solomon himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֛וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a poor</span><br /><span class="heb">מִסְכֵּ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(mis·kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4542.htm">Strong's 4542: </a> </span><span class="str2">Indigent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but wise</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחָכָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">youth</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶ֥לֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ye·leḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something born, a lad, offspring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than an old</span><br /><span class="heb">זָקֵן֙</span> <span class="translit">(zā·qên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but foolish</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְסִ֔יל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">king</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּ֤לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">longer</span><br /><span class="heb">עֽוֹד׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knows</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">how to take a warning.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהִזָּהֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hiz·zā·hêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2094.htm">Strong's 2094: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gleam, to enlighten</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4:13 Better is a poor and wise youth (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 4:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 4:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>