The fourth subunit begins uniquely with a better-than saying, which introduces the evaluative comparison between two successive monarchs (4:13–14). King 1 is old but unexpectedly foolish, no longer receptive to corrective advice. King 2 is still a youth and of ignoble birth but nevertheless wise and therefore “better.” The Hebrew word for “poor” in verse 13 and 9:15–16 refers to one’s lowly social status (i.e., a commoner) rather than to one’s financia…