Ecclesiastes 4:14
He may even come out of prison to reign over his kingdom, even though he was born poor.
Free Bible Version
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
13A poor young person who's wise is better than an old and foolish king who no longer accepts advice.
15I observed everyone here on earth following the youth who takes his place.
Cross References
Genesis 41:14Pharaoh summoned Joseph, and they quickly brought him from the prison. After he'd shaved and changed his clothes, he was presented to Pharaoh.
Genesis 41:41Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Look, I'm putting you in charge of the whole country of Egypt.”
1 Samuel 2:8He helps the poor up from the dust; he raises the lowborn from the trash pile and seats them with the upper class in places of honor. For the foundations of the earth belong to the Lord, and he has placed the world on them.
2 Kings 23:31Jehoahaz was twenty-three when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for three months. His mother's name was Hamutal, daughter of Jeremiah. She came from Libnah.
2 Kings 24:6Jehoiakim died, and his son Jehoiachin succeeded him as king.
2 Kings 25:7They slaughtered Zedekiah's sons while he watched, and then gouged out his eyes, bound him in bronze shackles, and 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 →