Ecclesiastes 4:13 asv — Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

American Standard Version

"Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more. "

— Ecclesiastes 4:13, American Standard Version

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Ecclesiastes 4:13 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Ecclesiastes 4 — Context

10

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up.

11

Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone?

12

And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

13

Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more.

14

For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor.

15

I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the second, that stood up in his stead.

16

There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was: yet they that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:13 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ecclesiastes 4:13 say?
Ecclesiastes 4:13 in the American Standard Version reads: “Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more. ”
Where is Ecclesiastes 4:13 in the Bible?
Ecclesiastes 4:13 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4, verse 13.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to Solomon (traditional; identified as "the Preacher, son of David"). It was written c. 940 BC.
What is the book of Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is a candid meditation on life "under the sun" — its pleasures, its pains, and its apparent vanity. The Preacher tries wisdom, wealth, work, and pleasure, finds them all empty without God, and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole of man.
What are the major themes of Ecclesiastes?
Ecclesiastes explores themes including Vanity, Time, Meaning, Fear of God, Mortality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ecclesiastes 4:13.
What translation should I read Ecclesiastes 4:13 in?
Ecclesiastes 4:13 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ecclesiastes 4:13?
Ecclesiastes 4:13 reads (ASV): “Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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