Ecclesiastes 4:13

New International Reader's Version

A poor but wise young man is better off than an old but foolish king. That king doesn’t pay attention to a warning anymore.

Cross References

Genesis 37:2

Here is the story of the family line of Jacob. Joseph was a young man. He was 17 years old. He was taking care of the flocks with some of his brothers. They were the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, the wives of his father Jacob. Joseph brought their father a bad report about his brothers.

1 Kings 22:8

The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat. He said, “There is still one other man we can go to. We can ask the Lord for advice through him. But I hate him. He never prophesies anything good about me. He only prophesies bad things. His name is Micaiah. He’s the son of Imlah.” “You shouldn’t say bad things about him,” Jehoshaphat replied.

2 Chronicles 25:16

While the prophet was still speaking, the king spoke to him. He said, “Did I ask you for advice? Stop! If you don’t, you will be struck down.” So the prophet stopped. But then he said, “I know that God has decided to destroy you. That’s because you have worshiped other gods. You haven’t listened to my advice.”

Proverbs 19:1

It is better to be poor and to live without blame than to be foolish and to twist words around.

Proverbs 28:6

It is better to be poor and live without blame than to be rich and follow a crooked path.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

One person could be overpowered. But two people can stand up for themselves. And a rope made out of three cords isn’t easily broken.

Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city.