Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
A young person who is poor but wise is better than an old king who is foolish and refuses to listen to advice anymore.
The writer is saying that wisdom matters more than wealth or power, and that being teachable is more valuable than being stubborn in authority.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who was known for his profound wisdom during his reign over Israel around 970-931 BC. In this verse, the author uses contrasts like a poor but wise youth versus an unteachable old king to emphasize the futility of human endeavors and the superior value of humility and wisdom in ancient Near Eastern culture. This reflects the broader biblical theme in wisdom books, where teachability is prized over age or status amidst life's uncertainties.
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