Ecclesiastes 4:14
Because out of a prison the young man comes to be king, though by birth he was only a poor man in the kingdom.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
In Context
15I saw all the living under the sun round the young man who was to be ruler in place of the king.
Cross References
Genesis 41:14Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and they took him quickly out of prison; and when his hair had been cut and his dress changed, he came before Pharaoh.
Genesis 41:41And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have put you over all the land of Egypt.
1 Samuel 2:8Lifting the poor out of the dust, and him who is in need out of the lowest place, to give them their place among rulers, and for their heritage the seat of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's and he has made them the base of the world.
2 Kings 23:31Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, ruling in Jerusalem for three months; his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
2 Kings 24:6So Jehoiakim went to rest with his fathers; and Jehoiachin his son became king in his place.
2 Kings 25:7And they put the sons of Zedekiah to death before his eyes, and then they put out his eyes, and chaining him with iron bands, took him to Babylon.
Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 4:14-16
The Advantages of Society. 13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. 14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. 15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. 16 There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.… Read the whole commentary →