Ecclesiastes 4:14
For out of the prison he commeth forth to reigne: when as he that is borne in his kingdome, is made poore.
Geneva Bible 1599
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
13Better is a poore and wise childe, then an olde and foolish King, which will no more be admonished.
Cross References
Genesis 41:14Then sent Pharaoh, and called Ioseph, and they brought him hastily out of prison, and he shaued him, and chaunged his rayment, and came to Pharaoh.
Genesis 41:41Moreouer Pharaoh said to Ioseph, Behold, I haue set thee ouer all the land of Egypt.
1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth vp ye poore out of the dust, and lifteth vp the begger from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherite the seate of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lordes, and he hath set the world vpon them.
2 Kings 23:31Iehoahaz was three and twentie yeere olde when he beganne to reigne, and reigned three moneths in Ierusalem. His mothers name also was Hamutal the daughter of Ieremiah of Libnah.
2 Kings 24:6So Iehoiakim slept with his fathers, and Iehoiachin his sonne reigned in his steade.
2 Kings 25:7And they slew the sonnes of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bounde him in chaines, and caried him to Babel.
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 →