²⁰ In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians^(A) and enchanters in his whole kingdom.^(B)

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]

¹⁹ the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger^(A) of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart^(B) was hard and he would not listen,^(C) just as the Lord had said.

⁸ In the morning his mind was troubled,^(A) so he sent for all the magicians^(B) and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.^(C)

¹³ So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.^(A)

¹² Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”