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]

¹⁰ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ¹¹ So God said to him, “Since you have asked^(A) for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment^(B) in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked.^(C) I will give you a wise^(D) and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. ¹³ Moreover, I will give you what you have not^(E) asked for—both wealth and honor^(F)—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal^(G) among kings. ¹⁴ And if you walk^(H) in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”^{(I) 15} Then Solomon awoke^(J)—and he realized it had been a dream.^(K)

He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings^(L) and fellowship offerings.^(M) Then he gave a feast^(N) for all his court.

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness^(A) to those who are perishing,^(B) but to us who are being saved^(C) it is the power of God.^{(D) 19} For it is written:

²⁰ Where is the wise person?^(F) Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age?^(G) Has not God made foolish^(H) the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world^(I) through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save^(J) those who believe.^{(K) 22} Jews demand signs^(L) and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(M) a stumbling block^(N) to Jews and foolishness^(O) to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called,^(P) both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God^(Q) and the wisdom of God.^{(R) 25} For the foolishness^(S) of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness^(T) of God is stronger than human strength.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(A) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^(B)

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it^(A) by their good life, by deeds^(B) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition^(C) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.^{(D) 15} Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven^(E) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.^{(F) 16} For where you have envy and selfish ambition,^(G) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(H) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(I) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(J) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^(K)

¹⁶ I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me;^(A) I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” ¹⁷ Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom,^(B) and also of madness and folly,^(C) but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

Advancement Is Meaningless

¹³ Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.