Ecclesiastes 4:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A poor but wise youth is better than an aged king who has grown foolish and will no longer accept correction.
What Does Ecclesiastes 4:13 Mean?
The Preacher turns from companionship to the worth of wisdom across the divides of age and rank. He declares a poor, wise youth 'better' than an 'old and foolish king' -- one whose great failing is that he 'will no more be admonished,' deaf to any counsel. Position and years have not made him wise.
The dividing line is not status but a teachable heart. Wisdom welcomes correction; folly bristles at it, and a king who stops listening is poorer than a pauper who still learns. Scripture prizes the humble, open spirit over outward greatness, for the one who will be admonished can still grow, while the one who refuses cannot. The verse quietly warns every reader against the hardening that makes us too proud to be taught.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecclesiastes 4:13
What does Ecclesiastes 4:13 mean?
A poor but wise youth is better than an aged king who has grown foolish and will no longer accept correction.