Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
World English Bible
13 Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more. 14 For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor. 15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him. 16 There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.
Read full chapter
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
International Standard Version
There’s No Fool Like an Old Fool
13 A poor but wise youth is better
than an old but foolish king
who will no longer accept correction.
14 The former can come out of prison to reign,
while the latter, even if born to[a] kingship, may become poor.
15 I observed everyone who lives and walks on earth, along with the youth[b] who will take the king’s[c] place. 16 There was no end to all of his subjects[d] or to all of the people who had come before them. But those who come along afterward will not be happy with him. This is also pointless and a chasing after wind.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Ecclesiastes 4:14 Lit. to his
- Ecclesiastes 4:15 Lit. second child
- Ecclesiastes 4:15 Lit. take his
- Ecclesiastes 4:16 Lit. of the people
by Public Domain. The name "World English Bible" is trademarked.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.
