Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 4:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse highlights the value of wisdom over status.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Solomon
- Written
- Around 935 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Those searching for life's meaning
Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king who will no longer be admonished.
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the value of wisdom over status. It suggests that a young person, even if poor, can be wiser than an older king who refuses to learn or accept advice. Wisdom is not determined by age or wealth but by the ability to listen and grow. The child represents potential and openness, while the king symbolizes stubbornness and foolishness. This contrast serves as a reminder that true leadership and understanding come from humility and a willingness to learn. It encourages us to seek wisdom, regardless of our circumstances, and to remain teachable throughout our lives. Ultimately, it’s better to be wise and humble than to be proud and ignorant, regardless of one’s position in society. This verse invites us to reflect on our own attitudes towards learning and growth, urging us to embrace wisdom in all its forms, no matter our age or status in life. It’s a powerful reminder that wisdom can come from unexpected places and that we should always be open to new insights.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ecclesiastes 4:13 to your life
Consider your own life: are you open to learning from others, regardless of their age or status? Embrace opportunities to gain wisdom from unexpected sources. Reflect on how pride might be hindering your growth and seek to cultivate a teachable spirit in your daily interactions. Stay curious and humble in your journey of learning and self-improvement. This mindset can lead to greater understanding and fulfillment in life.
Curated for this public verse page. Ecclesiastes Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ecclesiastes 4:13 mean?
Ecclesiastes 4:13 means that wisdom is more valuable than social status. It emphasizes that a young, wise person can be more insightful than an older king who refuses to learn.
What is the meaning of 'poor and wise child' in Ecclesiastes 4:13?
The 'poor and wise child' represents someone who, despite lacking wealth, possesses valuable wisdom and the ability to learn, highlighting that wisdom is not tied to age or riches.
How does Ecclesiastes 4:13 relate to humility?
Ecclesiastes 4:13 relates to humility by showing that true wisdom comes from being open to learning, regardless of one's position in life. It teaches that pride can hinder growth.
What lessons can we learn from Ecclesiastes 4:13?
From Ecclesiastes 4:13, we learn the importance of being teachable and valuing wisdom over social status. It encourages us to seek insights from all sources, regardless of age or wealth.

The Book of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 1: All Is Vanity
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem, begin with the declaration that all is vanity. He says that what a person gains from all labor under the sun is unclear, because generations come and go while the earth remains. The sun rises and sets and returns to its place. The wind moves in circuits. Rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full, and the rivers return again. He observes that all things are full of weariness; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
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