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

ECCLESIASTES 4:13KJV
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Ecclesiastes 4:13 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 4:13 mean?

Ecclesiastes 4:13 says that it is better to be a poor but wise young person than to be an old king who is foolish and no longer willing to listen to advice. The verse values wisdom and teachability over age, status, or wealth.

The speaker is traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflecting on the realities of life and leadership. He points out that a person’s willingness to learn and accept correction is more important than their position or experience. The verse comes in a section where the writer is observing the ups and downs of life, especially the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 4:13

  • "Better" (טוֹב, tov): This word often means "good" or "preferable," highlighting that wisdom and humility are more desirable than power without openness.
  • "Wise" (חָכָם, chakam): This word means someone who is skillful or has practical wisdom, not just intelligence. The verse contrasts this with foolishness that refuses correction.
  • "Admonished" (זָהַר, zahar): This word means to be warned or instructed. The king's refusal to be admonished shows a closed attitude, which the verse criticizes.

Why Ecclesiastes 4:13 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 4:13 challenges the assumption that age and status automatically bring wisdom, reminding readers that humility and a willingness to learn are crucial at any stage of life.
  • The verse fits into the book’s broader theme of questioning what truly has value in life, suggesting that character and openness to growth matter more than outward achievements.
  • It warns against the danger of becoming set in one’s ways, especially for those in positions of authority, and highlights the ongoing need for teachability.

Where else these words appear

“poor” Hebrew H4542 · used in 3 verses

  • 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.
  • Ecclesiastes 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

“admonished” Hebrew H2094 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 18:20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
  • Ezekiel 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
  • Ezekiel 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

“foolish” Hebrew H3684 · used in 69 verses

  • Psalms 49:10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
  • Proverbs 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
  • Proverbs 26:9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

“child” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:10 And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.