Ecclesiastes 4:13

KJV

¶ Better [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

KJV (with Strong's)

Better {H2896} is a poor {H4542} and a wise {H2450} child {H3206} than an old {H2205} and foolish {H3684} king {H4428}, who will {H3045} no more be admonished {H2094}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Better a youth who is poor but wise than a king who is old but foolish, no longer willing to listen to advice.

Berean Standard Bible

Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.

American Standard Version

Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 4:13 offers a profound and counter-intuitive observation on the true source of influence and lasting value, asserting that a young person of humble means who possesses wisdom and an open, teachable spirit far surpasses an aged, powerful king who has become stubbornly resistant to counsel. This verse underscores the ephemeral nature of worldly power and status when divorced from wisdom and humility, highlighting that character and a receptive heart are more valuable than any earthly crown.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 3-5) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, meticulously examines various aspects of human toil, ambition, and injustice "under the sun." Prior to verse 13, Qoheleth laments the oppression of the weak and the loneliness of solitary striving, even when successful (Ecclesiastes 4:1-12). He observes the futility of much human endeavor and the inherent limitations of earthly pursuits. Against this backdrop of societal ills and the often-unsatisfying nature of life, verse 13 introduces a sharp contrast, shifting from the general observations of injustice to a specific comparison that elevates character over position. It serves as a moral commentary, suggesting that true worth is found not in external power or longevity, but in internal qualities like wisdom and teachability, which can even lead to a change in leadership, as implied by the "child" potentially replacing the "king."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, kings held immense power, often considered divine or divinely appointed, and their word was law. Age was also highly respected, with elders typically seen as repositories of wisdom and experience. The concept of an "old and foolish king" would have been particularly shocking and subversive, challenging the prevailing norms of respect for both age and authority. Such a king, who "will no more be admonished," represents the ultimate failure of leadership – a ruler so entrenched in his own perceived wisdom or pride that he becomes impervious to external counsel, even from his most trusted advisors. This refusal to be taught would have been seen as a grave defect, potentially leading to ruin for both the king and his kingdom, a theme echoed in various ancient wisdom traditions. The "poor and wise child" represents the antithesis of this, embodying the potential for fresh insight and humble leadership, regardless of social standing.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 4:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it champions **Wisdom over Status**, a recurring motif in Ecclesiastes and the broader wisdom literature, asserting that true value lies in discernment and understanding rather than inherited power or wealth. The "poor and wise child" embodies the potential for growth and the intrinsic worth of a discerning spirit, echoing the sentiment found in [Proverbs 16:16](/proverbs/16-16 "Proverbs 16:16 - Wisdom is Better than Gold"). Secondly, it highlights the **Folly of Unteachability**, portraying the "old and foolish king" as a tragic figure whose stubbornness renders his power ineffective or even destructive. This refusal to be "admonished" is a stark warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance, a theme frequently addressed in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Lastly, the verse subtly touches upon the **Transient Nature of Earthly Power**, suggesting that even the most powerful rulers can be supplanted, especially when their character flaws, like unteachability, undermine their reign. This aligns with Qoheleth's overarching observation of the vanity and impermanence of all things [under the sun](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word signifies "good" in its broadest sense, encompassing moral, aesthetic, and practical excellence. Here, it is used in a comparative sense ("better is X than Y"), indicating a superior quality or advantage. The Preacher uses this term to establish a clear hierarchy of value, asserting that the combination of poverty and wisdom in a child is intrinsically more beneficial and commendable than the combination of age, power, and folly in a king. It's not merely a preference, but a definitive judgment of what truly holds worth.
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be wise, skillful, or intelligent," this term denotes practical wisdom, discernment, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but an applied understanding of life, often rooted in the fear of the Lord. The "wise child" possesses this crucial quality, implying an openness to learning and an ability to apply knowledge effectively, contrasting sharply with the king's foolishness.
* **Admonished (Hebrew, _zâhar'_):** This primitive root means "to gleam" or "to enlighten," and figuratively, "to caution" or "to warn." In the Hiphil stem (as used here), it means "to be warned," "to be instructed," or "to be enlightened." The phrase "who will no more be admonished" (incorporating H3045, _yâdaʻ_, "to know," in a causative sense, "to make known" or "to teach") emphasizes the king's absolute and unyielding refusal to receive any form of guidance, correction, or warning. This stubbornness is presented as his fatal flaw, rendering him incapable of effective leadership or personal growth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Better is a poor and a wise child":** This clause introduces the first figure in the comparison, an individual who, despite lacking social status ("poor") and perhaps experience ("child"), possesses the invaluable quality of wisdom. The "child" here likely symbolizes youth, humility, and teachability, rather than literal infancy. The combination of poverty and wisdom suggests that true worth is not tied to material possessions or social standing, but to character and intellectual/spiritual discernment.
* **"than an old and foolish king,":** This clause presents the contrasting figure: a king, who embodies power and authority, and is "old," suggesting experience and perhaps a long reign. However, these external advantages are negated by his defining characteristic: he is "foolish." This "foolishness" (Hebrew _kᵉçîyl_) implies not just a lack of intelligence, but a moral and spiritual deficiency, often characterized by arrogance, stubbornness, and a disregard for wisdom or divine instruction.
* **"who will no more be admonished.":** This final clause provides the critical reason for the king's inferiority. His folly is not merely a passive state but an active, unyielding refusal to receive counsel, warning, or instruction. The phrase "no more" implies a past willingness to be admonished that has now vanished, perhaps due to prolonged power or increasing arrogance. This unteachability seals his fate, making him inferior to the humble, wise child, regardless of his royal position.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 4:13 is rich in **Contrast** and **Juxtaposition**, setting up a stark opposition between two archetypal figures: the "poor and wise child" and the "old and foolish king." This direct comparison highlights the central message by emphasizing the qualities that truly matter. The figures themselves function as powerful **Symbolism**: the child represents humility, potential, teachability, and intrinsic wisdom, while the king symbolizes entrenched power, experience, and the dangers of unyielding pride and folly. The phrase "who will no more be admonished" employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and fatal stubbornness of the king, making his refusal to learn an ultimate, defining flaw. The verse's structure also demonstrates a form of **Chiasm** in its thematic opposition: poverty (low status) vs. king (high status), wisdom vs. folly, child (youth/potential) vs. old (age/experience), creating a balanced yet antithetical statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 4:13 serves as a timeless theological statement on the true nature of authority and the enduring value of wisdom and humility over transient power and stubborn pride. It aligns with the broader biblical emphasis that God often exalts the humble and resists the proud, demonstrating that character, not position, is what truly matters in His economy. The king's refusal to be admonished is a direct affront to the wisdom tradition, which consistently calls for openness to instruction and correction as the path to life and blessing. This verse foreshadows the New Testament's radical redefinition of greatness, where servanthood and humility are paramount, and where spiritual insight is often granted to the "little ones" rather than the self-proclaimed wise.

* [Proverbs 26:12](/proverbs/26-12 "Proverbs 26:12 - Hope for a Fool")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 4:13 offers profound guidance for navigating life in any era, urging us to prioritize character over external accolades. It challenges the common human tendency to equate power, wealth, or age with wisdom and effectiveness. Instead, it champions the seemingly humble virtues of teachability, humility, and genuine wisdom, regardless of one's social standing or years. This verse is a powerful call to lifelong learning and a warning against the spiritual decay that sets in when we become impervious to correction. Whether in personal relationships, professional endeavors, or spiritual growth, maintaining an open heart and a willingness to be admonished is crucial for true flourishing. It reminds us that true leadership and influence stem from a discerning spirit and a humble posture, not from a title or a long list of achievements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like the "old and foolish king," resistant to feedback or new perspectives?**
* **How can I cultivate the "wise child's" spirit of humility and teachability, regardless of my age or experience?**
* **What are the practical steps I can take to actively seek and receive wise counsel, even when it challenges my assumptions?**
* **How does this verse challenge my cultural understanding of success, power, and wisdom?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse suggest that all old people are foolish or that all young people are wise?**

Answer: No, the verse is not making a blanket statement about age itself. Instead, it uses the archetypes of "old" and "child" to represent character traits. The "old and foolish king" symbolizes someone who, despite having accumulated years and power, has become closed-minded, arrogant, and unteachable. His "oldness" signifies a hardened resistance to change or correction, not necessarily a lack of intelligence due to age. Conversely, the "poor and wise child" represents humility, openness to learning, and inherent wisdom, qualities often found in those who are less jaded or entitled. The core message is about the *spirit* of teachability versus unteachability, regardless of one's chronological age or social status. The emphasis is on the internal disposition of wisdom and humility versus folly and pride, as seen in many wisdom texts like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

**What does it mean that the king "will no more be admonished"?**

Answer: This phrase is central to the king's condemnation. "Admonished" (Hebrew _zâhar_) means to be warned, instructed, enlightened, or corrected. The addition of "no more" indicates a complete and utter refusal to receive any further counsel or warning. It suggests a state of stubbornness, pride, and self-sufficiency that has rendered him impervious to external wisdom, even from those who might genuinely seek his good or the good of his kingdom. This unteachability is presented as his fatal flaw, making him ineffective and ultimately inferior to someone who is open to learning, even if that person lacks power or status. It highlights the danger of pride, which can blind even the most powerful to truth and necessary correction, a theme woven throughout biblical wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 12:1](/proverbs/12-1 "Proverbs 12:1 - He Who Loves Discipline").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 4:13 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and kingdom of Jesus. He is the ultimate "wise child," though divine, who came in humility, not as an earthly king, but as a servant, embodying perfect wisdom and teachability. While the "old and foolish king" represents human power corrupted by pride and unteachability, Jesus perfectly modeled a different kind of leadership: one rooted in humility, truth, and a radical openness to the Father's will. He taught that true greatness in His kingdom is found not in lording over others, but in serving, as He Himself came not to be served but to serve (e.g., [Mark 10:43-45](/mark/10-43 "Mark 10:43-45 - Servant Leadership")). The religious and political leaders of His day often mirrored the "old and foolish king," refusing to be admonished by divine truth, ultimately rejecting the very source of wisdom (e.g., [Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). In contrast, Jesus invited "little children" and those with childlike faith into His kingdom, declaring that unless one becomes like a child, they cannot enter (e.g., [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children")). Thus, Jesus perfectly embodies the "poor and wise child," demonstrating that true authority and eternal value reside in humble wisdom and a teachable spirit, ultimately establishing a kingdom where these qualities, not earthly power or pride, reign supreme.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 25:16

And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

2 Chronicles 16:10

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.

Proverbs 19:1

¶ Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

Proverbs 28:15

¶ [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people.

Proverbs 28:16

¶ The prince that wanteth understanding [is] also a great oppressor: [but] he that hateth covetousness shall prolong [his] days.

Ecclesiastes 9:15

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.