Solomon’s Wisdom and Literary Gifts

29 God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding(A) as vast as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East,(B) greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.(C) 31 He was wiser than anyone(D)—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite,(E) and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol.(F) His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations.(G)

32 Solomon composed 3,000 proverbs,(H) and his songs numbered 1,005.(I) 33 He described trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing out of the wall. He also taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. 34 People came from everywhere, sent by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom, to listen to Solomon’s wisdom.(J)

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29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and very great understanding—insight as long as the seashore itself. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than all the famous Easterners, greater even than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone, more wise than Ethan the Ezrahite or Mahol’s sons: Heman, Calcol, and Darda. His reputation was known throughout the region. 32 Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs and one thousand five songs. 33 He described the botany of trees, whether the cedar in Lebanon or the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He also described cattle, birds, anything that crawls on the ground, and fish. 34 People came from everywhere to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; even the earth’s kings who had heard about his wisdom came!

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