Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
English Standard Version
13 Better was (A)a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how (B)to take advice. 14 For he went (C)from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that[a] youth who was to stand in the king's[b] place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is (D)vanity and a striving after wind.
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- Ecclesiastes 4:15 Hebrew the second
- Ecclesiastes 4:15 Hebrew his
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.
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- 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
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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