who once ruled wisely but who in old age becomes set in his ways and pays no attention to good counsel. Through mismanagement the old king may plunge the whole kingdom into hopeless debt, alienate his subjects and may even be deposed and die in disgrace. The youth who continues to act wisely, on the other hand, may earn the very respect that is not accorded an old but stupid king.

As Solomon noted, such a wise youth might even be elevated from the prison house to the kingship. This is what happened to Joseph. So impressed was Egypt’s Pharaoh that he said to him: “There is no one as discreet and wise as you are. You will personally be over my house, and all my people will obey you implicitly. Only as to the throne shall I be greater than you.” (Gen. 41:39, 40) Thus Joseph was exalted to second ruler of Egypt.

Next, focusing attention on the people’s capricious reaction to a change of rulers, Solomon writes: “I have seen all those alive who are walking about under the sun, how it goes with the child, who is second, that stands up in the other one’s place. There is no end to all the people, to all those before whom he happened to be; neither will people afterward rejoice in him, for this too is vanity and a striving after the wind.”​—Eccl. 4:15, 16.

What did Solomon mean by the expression “the child, who is second”? Evidently he was referring to the king’s successor. “Those alive” are all excited about having a new ruler. “There is no end to all the people” before whom he stands as king. This means that they are all behind him, supporting his rulership. But his popularity does not continue indefinitely. The time soon comes when the one whom the people highly acclaimed no longer suits their fancy. Disenchanted now, they cease to rejoice in him.

Similarly, in modern times, one set of politicians is replaced by another. There may be initial enthusiasm for a certain governor, prime minister or president. But it does not take long for people to become displeased with the individual and his policies. Soon they begin looking for someone else to take hold of the reins of government.

Truly, then, even the topmost position proves to be but a bauble, “vanity.” How forcefully this emphasizes that in this world the most satisfying possession is, not position, but a good relationship with the eternal God, Jehovah!

A Godly View of Debts

THE God of justice, Jehovah, does not look with favor upon persons who do not pay their debts. The inspired psalmist declared: “The wicked one is borrowing and does not pay back.” (Ps. 37:21) Setting forth the Christian position, the apostle Paul urged: “Do not you people be owing anybody a single thing, except to love one another.”​—Rom. 13:8.

The person who desires God’s approval