Ecclesiastes 4:13

The Message

A poor child with some wisdom is better off than an old but foolish king who doesn’t know which end is up. I saw a youth just like this start with nothing and go from rags to riches, and I saw everyone rally to the rule of this young successor to the king. Even so, the excitement died quickly, the throngs of people soon lost interest. Can’t you see it’s only smoke? And spitting into the wind?

Cross References

Genesis 37:2

This is the story of Jacob. The story continues with Joseph, seventeen years old at the time, helping out his brothers in herding the flocks. These were his half brothers actually, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. And Joseph brought his father bad reports on them.

1 Kings 22:8

The king of Israel told Jehoshaphat, “As a matter of fact, there is still one such man. But I hate him. He never preaches anything good to me, only doom, doom, doom—Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king shouldn’t talk about a prophet like that,” said Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 25:16

Amaziah interrupted him, “Did I ask for your opinion? Shut up or get thrown out!” The prophet quit speaking, but not before he got in one last word: “I have it on good authority: God has made up his mind to throw you out because of what you’ve done, and because you wouldn’t listen to me.” * * *

Proverbs 19:1

Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust.

Proverbs 28:6

It’s better to be poor and direct than rich and crooked.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped. * * *

Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom puts more strength in one wise person Than ten strong men give to a city.