Verse 13

Labor Motivated by Prestige-Seeking A poor but wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive advice.

Referenced Verses

  • Eccl 9:15-16 : 15 However, a poor but wise man lived in the city, and he could have delivered the city by his wisdom, but no one listened to that poor man. 16 So I concluded that wisdom is better than might, but a poor man’s wisdom is despised; no one ever listens to his advice.
  • Gen 37:2 : 2 This is the account of Jacob.Joseph, his seventeen-year-old son, was taking care of the flocks with his brothers. Now he was a youngster working with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father.
  • 1 Kgs 22:8 : 8 The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat,“There is still one man through whom we can seek the LORD’s will. But I despise him because he does not prophesy prosperity for me, but disaster. His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” Jehoshaphat said,“The king should not say such things.”
  • 2 Chr 16:9-9 : 9 Certainly the LORD watches the whole earth carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on you will have war.” 10 Asa was so angry at the prophet, he put him in jail. Asa also oppressed some of the people at that time.
  • 2 Chr 24:20-22 : 20 God’s Spirit energized Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood up before the people and said to them,“This is what God says:‘Why are you violating the commands of the LORD? You will not be prosperous! Because you have rejected the LORD, he has rejected you!’” 21 They plotted against him and by royal decree stoned him to death in the courtyard of the LORD’s temple. 22 King Joash disregarded the loyalty his father Jehoiada had shown him and killed Jehoiada’s son. As Zechariah was dying, he said,“May the LORD take notice and seek vengeance!”
  • 2 Chr 25:16 : 16 While he was speaking, Amaziah said to him,“Did we appoint you to be a royal counselor? Stop prophesying or else you will be killed!” So the prophet stopped, but added,“I know that God has decided to destroy you, because you have done this thing and refused to listen to my advice.”
  • Prov 19:1 : 1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his speech and is a fool.
  • Prov 28:6 : 6 A poor person who walks in his integrity is better than one who is perverse in his ways even though he is rich.
  • Prov 28:15-16 : 15 Like a roaring lion or a roving bear, so is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 The prince who is a great oppressor lacks wisdom, but the one who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.