Translation
Better a poor youth
Go to footnote numberwho is wise than an old king who is foolish
Go to footnote numberand will no longer take warnings.
Paraphrase
People say: A poor youth who is wise is better than an old king
who is foolish and
will not accept advice.
Footnotes
1
This word means “child, son, youth,” and other things that are closely related. “Youth” fits the context best but understand that this is pointing to a very young, very immature, very inexperienced person. It is intended to plant a seed of doubt in the reader’s mind as to the capabilities and trustworthiness of this person. However, that is balanced by the addition of the word “but wise,” which tells the reader that he was not an ordinary youth.
2: “an old king who is foolish”
Solomon is not talking about himself at this point; he is speaking in general terms.