Better is a child that is poor and wise, than a king that is old and foolish, who knoweth not to foresee for hereafter.
ט֛וֹב יֶ֥לֶד מִסְכֵּ֖ן וְחָכָ֑ם מִמֶּ֤לֶךְ זָקֵן֙ וּכְסִ֔יל אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹא־יָדַ֥ע לְהִזָּהֵ֖ר עֽוֹד׃
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
I would rather choose a young man who is humble yet wise over an aged king who lacks discernment, unconcerned about the possibility that one of the imprisoned could ascend to the throne, thereby justly overturning his own illegitimate rule.
The preacher reflects on the various aspects of human existence. Observing the ways in which individuals oppress one another, he concludes that enduring such evil might make life seem not worth living (4: 1-3). He notes the intense efforts of a businessperson striving to outdo others, driven by envy, pride, and rivalry. Conversely, another person succumbs to lethargy, wasting away in inactivity and ultimately facing a foolish end. It is wise to steer clear of these extremes and strive calmly to obtain what is essential for fulfilling one’s needs (4-6).
Shifting from individual pursuits, the preacher addresses the collective actions of humankind, first highlighting the advantages of close partnerships among a few individuals (8-12), followed by the consolidation of many into a community under the rule of kings (13-16). He observes how a fool, lacking reverence, incurs debts to the Lord, how another offers sacrifices devoid of genuine inner devotion, and how a third, as if caught in a dream or moved by a fleeting impulse, makes a promise to God without fulfilling it, thereby provoking divine displeasure (4:17-5:1-6).
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS