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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Ecclesiastes 4:13

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
¶ Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
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From verse 13

  1. 2 Chronicles 25:16Rank 1 from verse 13
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    16And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king’s counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

  2. Proverbs 19:1Rank 2 from verse 13
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    1BETTER is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

  3. 2 Chronicles 16:9–10Rank 3 from verse 13
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    9For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

    10Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.

  4. Proverbs 28:15–16Rank 4 from verse 13
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    15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

    16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

  5. 1 Kings 22:8Rank 5 from verse 13
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    8And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

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DEFINED WORDS

Ecclesiastes 4:13

COMBINED MEANING

better

↗

Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

wise

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Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

child

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1. A son or daughter; an offspring or descendant. 2. A young person or infant, considered by age or development. 3. In 'with child,' pregnant or carrying an unborn child. 4. One described as belonging to, derived from, characterized by, or dependent upon another person, group, or condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

old

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1. Advanced in age or existing for a long time. 2. Of the stated or specified age. 3. Ancient, former, previous, or worn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

king

↗

A sovereign ruler; one exercising royal authority over a kingdom.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

admonished

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Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of admonish, meaning to put in mind by warning, counsel, instruction, or reproof.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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12And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

13¶ Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

Selected passage

14For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.

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