👉 Better [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Ecclesiastes 4:13. It's a really profound statement about the value of different kinds of lives. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that a life lived with wisdom and contentment, even if it means being poor or facing hardship, is far more valuable than a life of wealth and power but lacking understanding and good judgment. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Better [is] a poor and a wise child…” This compares a young person (a child) to a king. "Poor" here means lacking riches and material possessions, while "wise" means having knowledge, understanding, and good judgment. "...than an old and foolish king..." This is the contrast. A king who is old and foolish – meaning they lack wisdom and make poor decisions – is worse than a child with a modest life but a brilliant mind. They’re likely to be ignored or criticized. "...who will no more be admonished." This is the kicker! The wise child, because of their knowledge and good judgment, will always be corrected and guided – they'll receive instruction and be told what’s right and wrong. A foolish king won’t get any guidance or correction. So, the overall message is this: True happiness and fulfillment aren’t found in accumulating wealth or power. Instead, it’s about cultivating wisdom, understanding, and good judgment – leading to a life of peace and acceptance, even when things are difficult. It suggests that true worth comes from living a thoughtful and moral life, rather than focusing solely on material success. In essence, the verse encourages us to prioritize inner goodness over outward achievements. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail?

👉 The word "Ecclesiastes 4:13" is a poetic phrase from the Bible's Ecclesiastical Tales of Job that translates to "Here I am," referring back to the author's place at the end of his life, likely in Babylon. This verse is often considered to be a cautionary tale about not living for eternity but instead focusing on present actions.

One way this might be interpreted could be as a warning against the pursuit of eternal happiness or fulfillment. Job was deeply religious and focused on building wealth and status at the expense of his spiritual growth, leading him towards materialism rather than spiritual enlightenment. For an edgy example, consider how many people would say "Ecclesiastes 4:13" in a room full of religious zealots. It's not intended to be taken seriously as a moral or philosophical statement, but rather as a way for those who follow this advice to feel like they're addressing someone who might be less enlightened. In a more unsettling context, consider how someone would respond if they were told that "Ecclesiastes 4:13" was actually their father's last words before death. It would likely lead them to question whether the author truly intended for his final words to be spoken in this way, or if there is some hidden message that he did not want others to understand or remember.