Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

4:13-16 More on the "Vanity" of Wisdom. The Preacher relates an instance he observed of how the results of wisdom can be fleeting. In contrast to an old and foolish king, there once was a poor and wise youth (v. 13) who managed to rise above his humble beginnings and ascend to the throne (v. 14) and an influential reign (vv. 15-16a). Yet later generations would not rejoice in him (v. 16b); his success and popularity, even though gained by true wisdom, did not last.