Written by Paul J Bucknell on May, 28, 2024
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 Life’s Volatility
We can fully trust our Father for life’s interruptions, oppression, and difficulties
because God foresees them and kindly plans for our changing circumstances.
Life on earth (“under the sun”) can be very volatile. This passage is about tectonic shifts in society. We face turbulent times. National and economic alliances are shifting. Tensions are heightened by the threat of a possible World War III with the threat of nuclear missiles. Additionally, leaders openly advocate new forms of control, including Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and promote the societal changes AI might bring. Are we on the brink of The Great Reset or at the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution? Although our level of conversation might seem to make this all seem new, Solomon’s words still ring true:
“9 That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which one might say, “See this, it is new”? Already it has existed for ages which were before us” (Ecc 1:9-10).
Life hasn’t changed despite the comforts technology has brought because mankind continues to fall into the same repetitive sinful pattern: an unwillingness to respond properly to God.
God’s Word comforts and strengthens us for the alarming fears that can arise during vulnerable, volatile, and violent times. In contrast to “under the sun,” God’s kingdom is never volatile but grows steadily. Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 gives us unique insight into how we can trust the Lord during these challenging days. Let’s begin with an overview of the Book of Ecclesiastes before engaging in a study of 4:13-16 and reflecting on its points.
1) An Overview: The Book of Ecclesiastes
Before studying Ecc. 4:13-16, let’s better understand its position in the Book of Ecclesiastes. King Solomon’s wisdom is noted in this brief biography from 1 Kings.
29 Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations. 32 He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. 33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that grows on the wall; he spoke also of animals and birds and creeping things and fish. 34 Men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:29-34, NASB)
The Book of Proverbs only has 915 verses, so we should expect some of those 3,000 proverbs to be listed in Ecclesiastes; perhaps our passage is one. We shouldn’t be surprised to see other wise sayings in Solomon’s writings.
Three Characteristics of Ecclesiastes
Many people today question the existence of God or His involvement in this world after witnessing poverty, crime, pain, and injustice. Bitterness becomes a tool for the devil to undermine the confidence of God’s people. God seeks to rebuild this crucial faith through Solomon.
Solomon’s Ecclesiastes has three characteristics:
#1: He employs various literature and writing styles to engage his audience.
#2: He warns us that lives focused on material things, even if happy and prosperous, will ultimately end in emptiness.
#3: He urges us to return to a sensible and good life with God to enjoy the most in life.
He first grabs our attention with intriguing words, poems, and shocking observations—sometimes quite personal—to draw his readers in, especially those wandering from God. He points out how their ways will not bring them where they want to go and then inserts brief clips of spiritual advice from which his readers can gain wisdom. He identifies his and others’ failures of not fully trusting God throughout life.
These repetitive themes are also seen in Ecclesiastes’ framework.
The Framework of Ecclesiastes
Solomon’s brief advice follows one or two chapters of his experiences and observations throughout the Book of Ecclesiastes. He gently calls his readers to renew their hope and faith in God.
This is important when studying specific texts like 4:13-16. Otherwise, we will miss his final guiding comments at the end of chapter 5, as the accompanying diagram shows. Here are the first three usages of Solomon’s methodology (1:1-2:24-26; 3:1-3:11-15; 4:1-5:18-20).
These sections continue throughout the book, each forming one smaller component of the whole book’s pattern (on the right). He closes the book with his advice in chapter 12, a longer piece that gives final insight to those questioning God for the incidents they face or those wondering about life’s meaning. He leads people along incremental steps before trying to solidify a willingness to pursue God for meaning in life.
An Introduction to Ecclesiastes 4
When looking at a specific passage in chapter 4, we must remember that it is enclosed within two frameworks: the section (chapters 4-5) and the whole book. Solomon’s hope is that we learn to live beyond the world we see. If we only draw conclusions from what we see, we will have a distorted viewpoint and an even more troubled life.
Numerous topics are addressed in this section, identifying opposite extremes. They are similar to Chapter 3’s poem, except they describe social situations, not incidents.
1. Power versus Comfort (Ec 4:1-3)
2. Accomplishment versus Rivalry (Ec 4:4-6)
3. Labor versus Loneliness (Ec 4:7-12)
4. Fame versus Poverty (Ec 4:13-16)
5. Religion versus Sincerity (Ec 5:1-7)
6. Authority versus Subjugation (Ec 5:8-9)
7. Wealth versus Satisfaction (Ec 5:10-17)
Observations from What One Sees
Observing how Solomon repeatedly uses the word ‘saw’ is also helpful. The one Hebrew word (ra’ah) has various English translations, such as ‘see,’ ‘looked,’ and ‘considered.’ The following diagram shows six usages in chapters 3 and 4 and how they link the section.
Like Solomon, we live under the sun and gather input through our eyes, guiding us to our conclusions. Likewise, we need God’s heavenly perspective to help us accurately shape our perspectives; otherwise, as he pointed out, we will not rightly perceive or live our lives.
The phrase “under the sun” (4:15) not only characterizes where we gain our views but also depicts the problem. We cannot safely and happily navigate our lives without God’s insights. Our sight must be broadened by faith. By incorporating God’s viewpoint, we can, through faith, better understand our world, life, and experiences. The Bible encourages us to strengthen our faith in God and His Word.
Continuation and Themes
We need to show how this passage links to Chapter 3. The Net Bible suggests that Chapter 4’s focus follows Chapter 3’s advice that we are to enjoy life the most we can (3:12-14). The following verses, including chapter four, state that life’s circumstances are often oppressive, not enabling us to enjoy life as suggested. The decisions of others, often stronger than us, hinder our ability to handle life’s circumstances easily. This is true even of the king in his lofty position. However, I prefer a slightly broader theme of unexpected and extreme changes as a better interlocking theme for this section.
The meaning of life is not determined by our circumstances but by how we choose to live our lives, regardless of the challenges we may encounter. We may be influenced by the latest trends in society, or we may be distressed by the decline of moral values, unsure of the dangers that may confront us and our loved ones.
Summary of Ecclesiastes 4
The many topics in Chapter 4 pull back the curtain on the many oppressive or extreme situations we might live under. We don’t choose to live in a war, famine, or horrible economic policies! Oppression affects the lives of all, even the tyrant. The compulsive worker dies, as does the fool who buries himself through inactivity. The pleasures of living for oneself reveal the folly of the hedonistic quest by creating lonely and quiet solitude. Fame, with all of its glamor, can bring pain, criticism, and rejection. If we can steer our lives away from these extremes, let us thank God. However, sometimes, we find ourselves caught in the grasp of an extreme situation that we must learn to handle.
Having seen the overall context, we are now prepared to study a select passage from Chapter 4.
2) An Example: Changing Politics (4:13-16)
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king's place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. (Ecclesiastes 4:13-16, NASB)
Persons with influence populate the world’s many political parties and governments. Solomon, in 4:13-16, reveals how sin (i.e., abandonment of respect for God) sets up a repeating pattern within governments, even in royal reigns.
But let me caution you before proceeding. It’s easy for us to cast off the relevance of this passage because we don’t have kings. Don’t do it! Though Solomon uses kings, as a familiar example in his life, his insights follow through right into leadership at all levels, especially the cycle of failure in leadership. Have you ever asked, “Why do leaders, including pastors and elders, fall?” Pay attention.
These four verses thrust us into the changing world of politics by observing the opposing sides. Let’s recall Solomon’s observations.
Verse 13) A wise, poor youth is much better than an old, arrogant, foolish king.
Verse 14) Despite being poor and once imprisoned, the youth astonishingly rose to power and reigned as king. (This widens the contrast first set out.)
Verse 15) The crowds supported the youth in making him king instead of the foolish king. (This sets up the pro and counter cycle seen again in the next verse.)
Verse 16) Even with this massive support, others later disliked this new king.
These massive shifts in institutions significantly affect those within them. Solomon explains why many of these changes happen but, more importantly, reminds us to live beyond them—that is, live your life faithfully under God’s leadership. His kingdom doesn’t change.
Solomon, as king, saw this happen repeatedly, making it a vain repetition: “Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind” (Ecc 4:16). Let’s briefly look at each verse.
1. The Folly of Extremes (Ecc 4:13)
“Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.” (Ecc 4:13)
Before discussing kingship, it’s critical to note that Solomon first connects with everyone. He essentially states that our position is not as important as our character. He sets all of us on a quest to live a godly life despite our difficult situations. He will fill out the picture more to prove his point, but regardless of whether we see this work out in our lives, only a select few can become king. Heavenly principles are at work on earth.
Solomon reflects on the past. He probably is not just thinking of his own country’s past but also what he sees in other countries. Solomon presents the surprising upstart of a young king from an impoverished background. This contradicts what we would typically consider the wiser, usually older and more experienced.
Solomon, more importantly, makes three observations that help us see what makes this situation so repetitive and volatile: the king was old, foolish, and arrogant—“no longer knew how to take advice.” In context, the old has a negative connotation, probably insensitive to his people’s needs or self-indulgent. The foolish king came to believe he knew best, which best satisfied him. When anyone puts themselves beyond other people’s advice, they place themselves beyond the voice of God‚—kings included. He no longer cared for his people, refusing to deal with oppression or injustice in his kingdom.
King David overlooked a case demanding justice (2 Sam 13-14). He was angry with his foolish son, Ammon, but refused to carry out justice, stirring up great resentment and trouble in his kingdom. Foolish leaders, like his son Rehoboth, surrounded themselves with foolish counselors. The counselors fear disagreeing with the king, so their affirmation only produces horrible policies that further harm the kingdom. Resentment advances.
Man’s sinfulness grows with power and wealth, setting up arrogant plans and great volatility. As one government makes foolish decisions, people react and find another party to counter those decisions. Only fools suggest that more money, programs, or control will solve the crisis because it will be used by the same elitists to further their mistakes. The more money, the greater the society’s distress. The old, foolish, self-focused tyrant cared more for his ways than the people.
All the failing governments and their leaders point us to the one King, the Lord Jesus, to set everything straight.
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You” (Psalm 89:14).
2. The Rise To Exaltation (Ecc 4:14)
“For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.” (Ecc 4:14)
Solomon fills in his former illustration in verse 14. Perhaps he speaks of a literal prison or a poor house to work off one’s debt. The spectacle is that one, without power and influence, somehow rises from his obscure background and becomes a great king. Supplied by the former verse’s observation, we are led to conclude this young and poor king is far better than the old, stubborn, and prideful king. He becomes a hero, at least until he becomes corrupted.
We wonder if Solomon refers to himself or another. There is no identical match with Biblical characters. Consider the many factors: obscurity, non-royalty, impoverished, imprisoned, becoming king, and being rejected. Solomon had an ignoble beginning, being born from an adulterous relationship, but he was not imprisoned. His brother almost bypassed him for kingship; Solomon would have been killed. Perhaps he referred to Joseph, who became a poor slave and was imprisoned. He became second to Pharoah and ruled Egypt, but he never suffered the rejection later mentioned. More likely than not, Solomon refers to several similar situations where a poor lad rose up to be a rich, powerful king. He didn’t mention names, which helps us better see the repetitive up-and-down cycle.
While a king’s devotion should motivate him to adopt policies to safeguard the people he governs, arrogance often interrupts his formerly good motivation. The king no longer seeks the people’s favor but becomes self-indulgent. This is commonly associated with political promises when politicians present themselves in voting countries.
3. Overwhelming Support (Ecc 4:15)
“I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king's place.”
The passage can be read differently, depending on whether verses 15 and 16 point to the original young lad in verse 13 or another. The meaning and lesson remain the same, however. A great swelling of support for the youth brought about significant changes. But now he stands “in the king’s place.” I take it as a filling out of what happened to the young, wise youth in verse 13.
At first, everyone seemed to support him, yet time tells another story (verse 16). Everyone from north and south had thronged to the side of this new king.
This whole process has another thread running behind it: Why was he so favored? Undoubtedly, they needed someone to replace the insensitive and self-indulgent king. The people think little of what good this new person can do. “Any change is better than what they have!” The fleeing person rarely carefully evaluates where he runs.
4. Guaranteed Criticism (Ecc 4:16)
“There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.” (Ecc 4:16)
Though “There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led,” later ones will be disgruntled with the new king. The one in authority can always expect opposition—but most of this comes through foolish mistakes.
Verse 15 speaks of replacing the old king; so does verse 16. The vanity pattern is set up by sin—the king’s refusal to live justly. We wonder how kings become deaf to their people’s needs. How come they can’t see the problems with their policies? People surely will arise to “not rejoice in him.” Solomon does not point to a general rejection of a king but shows how power corrupts.
One will always have complaints and contrasting views, but can we see them as a call for balance and equilibrium? The “mandate from heaven” concept in Chinese history shows that people will tolerate leaders to a certain degree. Still, when oppression becomes overwhelming—often found in oppressive taxation laws, they seek change. This pattern is observed worldwide, whether under kings or political parties.
The hardened king is replaced because of his injustice and insensitivities. We should guard ourselves from putting too much hope on people in authority. In many ways, we live affected by these regimes. Pessimism reigns among the aged because they have “seen it all.” Solomon states, “Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
Summary of Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
Innate sinful patterns reveal themselves over time. Fame is a snare, and power, like cancer, slowly destroys our moral senses. Whether we are that youth that becomes king or not, we all are susceptible to believing in ourselves only to delude ourselves like the old king—not willing to take the advice of others. Even still, we are affected by the fast-changing world that pays little attention to the needs of the people. Solomon will close this general section in 5:18-19, again openly urging all to enjoy life the most they can and to see that one’s enjoyment is a gift from God. He builds up trust in the Creator even when facing life’s difficulties. Since this is our only life to live, we do our best within it.
3) A Reflection: Handling Life’s Volatility
Though our passage describes an extreme situation, we must remember that God’s grace is sufficient no matter what we face. We can try fleeing life’s crises, but only sometimes. Instead, in light of God’s promises and grace, we set our goals to live upright and God-pleasing lives, no matter our circumstances. We finish our race well.
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13-14).
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 Applications
I’ll apply this passage from two perspectives.
In the top part of the above diagram, we see how God oversaw taking a poor man and making him a king along with the changing policies. The details don’t matter, for each will eventually become oppressive in its own way. Let me provide two applications before considering the bottom-line chart.
- Don’t put all your hopes in a political leader. This will safeguard us from believing that a new policy will save the world and remind us of man’s frailty to foolishness and arrogance in authoritative positions. At the same time, it will provide a shield from the Antichrist, who will confound many through his speech, miracles, and policies (2 Thes 2:3-12). In fact, he is a deceiver and does not care for the people.
- However, we can confidently trust Jesus Christ, our Great Shepherd, who reigns forever and cares for us. Even with all His power, He descended to earth to die to make us His own. In contrast to the dull, sinful, all-too-current, repetitious, and disappointing cycles on earth, we look forward to the great King of Kings who loves truth and mercy.
- Considering the bottom line diagram, let’s remember that we, too, are part of changing cycles. Whether we live at the brink of closure of the third industrial revolution and stepping into the fourth, we all live in light of Christ’s return. If our hearts look forward to our Lord’s return and the new heaven and earth, we should not be overwhelmed even if we lose all on earth. This is not my home.
“13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them” (Heb 11:13-16).
- Stand guard against bitterness and pessimism. The evil one seeks to snuff out our faith during our trials. Living under the sun doesn’t allow us to live in light of God’s radiant promises. We might not find an answer to “Why did God allow that to happen?” in our lifetime, but we can fully trust Him to carry out His righteousness. God is involved. Moreover, He cares for us. Consider how God combines His wisdom and care through Joseph’s tragic life in Genesis 36-50: rejected, away from his family, framed, enslaved, but also rewarded for his faithfulness. Instead, open your heart for God’s will wherever He takes you—don’t be part of the problem!
- Esteem godly leaders. Don’t forget Jesus and the apostles’ warnings to choose people with the right godly character, not just presenting the right words. One’s character states much about how they will respond to the many temptations leaders face. Be a godly person and train your children on its importance.
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 Bible Study Questions
Do not live for ambition or fame. Instead, always seek upright lives and wise choices that provide care for others. Trust God for the wisdom and stamina for the needed grace.
13 A poor, yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. 14 For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. 15 I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him. 16 There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them, and even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him, for this too is vanity and striving after wind. (Ecc 4:13-16)
- What crippled this old foolish king spoken of in verse 13? What lesson are we to learn from this old foolish king?
- How can a poor person be better off than a king (13)? Do you believe it?
- What happens to this poor, hapless lad in verses 13-15? Who did King Solomon know that was much like this poor lad?
- Verse 16 indicates that this new ruler will have a group to oppose him later. Why might that happen? What is the pattern here? What can we learn from it?
- God is ultimately in charge of getting ahead. How do ambitious people allow pride, selfishness, and position to lead to a heart unwilling to learn (v. 13)?
- Contentment is a better life based on trusting God for promotion and success. He doesn’t have to have it to have a good life. He seeks to live the right way rather than gain a position. Are you content? How much does money drive you?Other Related Articles by Paul J. Bucknell
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