Solomon’s Wisdom

²⁹ God gave Solomon wisdom^(A) and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand^(B) on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East,^(C) and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.^{(D) 31} He was wiser^(E) than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. ³² He spoke three thousand proverbs^(F) and his songs^(G) numbered a thousand and five. ³³ He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop^(H) that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ³⁴ From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings^(I) of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.^[a]

³ Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.

⁴ When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built,

⁸ How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear^(A) your wisdom!

²³ King Solomon was greater in riches^(A) and wisdom^(B) than all the other kings of the earth.

²⁴ The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom^(A) God had put in his heart.

²⁴ All the officers and warriors, as well as all of King David’s sons,^(A) pledged their submission to King Solomon.

²⁵ The Lord highly exalted^(A) Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal splendor^(B) such as no king over Israel ever had before.^(C)

²⁵ The Lord highly exalted^(A) Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal splendor^(B) such as no king over Israel ever had before.^(C)