Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most renowned figures in the Bible for his wisdom. His reign as the third king of Israel is marked by peace, prosperity, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's wisdom is a central theme in the biblical narrative, and he is often cited as the epitome of a wise ruler.

Divine Gift of Wisdom

Solomon's wisdom is attributed to a divine gift from God. In 1 Kings 3:5-14, the Lord appears to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and offers him anything he desires. Solomon requests wisdom to govern the people effectively: "So give Your servant a discerning heart to judge Your people and to distinguish between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?" (1 Kings 3:9). Pleased with Solomon's request, God grants him unparalleled wisdom, as well as riches and honor.

Judgment and Governance

One of the most famous demonstrations of Solomon's wisdom is the judgment involving two women who claimed to be the mother of the same child. Solomon's proposal to divide the living child in two revealed the true mother, who was willing to give up her claim to save the child's life (1 Kings 3:16-28). This account exemplifies Solomon's ability to discern truth and administer justice.

Proverbs and Writings

Solomon is traditionally credited with authoring much of the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. The Proverbs are a collection of wise sayings and teachings that offer practical guidance on living a righteous life. Ecclesiastes reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment, while the Song of Solomon is a poetic exploration of love and desire.

The Building of the Temple

Solomon's reign is also marked by the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental task that took seven years to complete (1 Kings 6:1-38). The Temple became the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people. Solomon's dedication of the Temple is recorded in 1 Kings 8, where he prays for God's continued guidance and blessing upon Israel.

Wealth and Influence

Solomon's wisdom brought him great wealth and international fame. His court attracted visitors from distant lands, including the Queen of Sheba, who came to test Solomon with hard questions and was impressed by his wisdom and prosperity (1 Kings 10:1-13). Solomon's wealth and influence extended through trade and alliances, contributing to Israel's golden age.

Later Years and Downfall

Despite his wisdom, Solomon's later years were marked by a departure from God's commandments. He took many foreign wives, who led him to idolatry, and his heart turned away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:1-8). This disobedience led to God's judgment, and the kingdom was eventually divided after Solomon's death.

Legacy

Solomon's legacy as a wise king is enduring, and his life serves as both an example and a cautionary tale. His wisdom, achievements, and failures are recorded in the biblical narrative, offering insights into the complexities of human nature and the importance of faithfulness to God. Solomon's account is a testament to the blessings of wisdom and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.1 Kings 4:29-34
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
Nave's Topical Index

But that the Object of Christianity is that we Should Become Wise. ...
... And the wisdom that was in Solomon greatly excelled the wisdom of all the ancients,
and of all the wise men of Egypt; and he was wiser than all men, even than ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlv but that the.htm

'A Greater than Solomon'
... What is true of Solomon or whoever wrote that praise of Wisdom, is true of all teachers
and wise men, they are 'not that light,' they are 'sent to bear witness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a greater than solomon.htm

What Solomon, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, Says Regarding the ...
... Solomon, the wisest king of Israel, who reigned in Jerusalem ... to good men good things,
and to bad men bad things ... In fine, this wise man concludes this book of his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 3 what solomon in the.htm

"When Solomon was Old. "
... that the man who wrote some of the Bible, who is spoken of in the pulpit as "The
Wise Man," the ... It takes the wisest of men to make the fool Solomon became ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxiv when solomon was old.htm

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
... such as, These are the proverbs of Solomon (x.1), These also are the sayings of
the wise (xxiv.23), These are the proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/x the hebrew sages and.htm

These Words Speaketh Solomon, the Son of David the King and ...
... These words speaketh Solomon, the son of David the king and prophet, to the whole
Church of God, a prince most honoured, and a prophet most wise above all men. ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter i these words speaketh.htm

Of the Promises Made to David in his Son, which are in no Wise ...
... and with the stripes of the sons of men: but my ... therefore attend and behold the house
of Solomon full of ... gods, and the king himself, aforetime wise, seduced by ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of the promises made.htm

Solomon
... All have heard of Solomon the Wise. His name has become a proverb among
men. It was still more a proverb among the old Rabbis, the ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

Proverbs
... The ascription of the whole book to Solomon, which seems ... He was the "wise man" of
Hebrew antiquity, and ... proverbs consisted of comparisons between men and trees ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/proverbs.htm

The Beginning and End of Wisdom
... faith in them, in your teachers, in your Bible, in the words of wise men who have ...
reason at first, you will know it in due time, and get, so Solomon says, to ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxii the beginning and.htm

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Wise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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