It is also futile to work to gain advancement and popularity.
"He has reached a pinnacle of human glory, only to be stranded there."46
Verse 14 evidently describes the poor lad in verse 13 rather than the king. The second lad of verse 15 is the same boy who replaced the former old king. What is in view is a succession of kings none of whom fully satisfies the populace. The point is that even though a man may rise from the bottom of society--this youth had been in prison--to the top, not everyone will accept or appreciate him. Therefore since it is impossible to achieve full acceptance it is foolish to spend one's life seeking it. It is better to stay poor and wise.
We might respond by saying that some acceptance by other people is better than none, but this is an evaluation of short-term advantage. Solomon was thinking and speaking of ultimate long-term significance.
