Ayin

Praying for God’s Deliverance

Solomon’s Fame

²⁹ God gave Solomon wisdom and great discernment. His insights were as numerous as sand on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon was wiser than any of the eastern leaders and wiser than anyone in Egypt. ³¹ He was wiser than anyone of his day—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, and wiser than Mahol’s sons Calcol and Darda.

His reputation was known throughout the surrounding nations. ³² Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. ³³ He described trees—everything from cedars^[a] that grow in Lebanon to hyssop that grows on a garden wall. He described animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. ³⁴ People came from everywhere to hear Solomon’s advice. Every king on the earth heard of his wisdom.

Putting on the Whole Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord, relying on his mighty strength. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the Devil’s strategies.^{[a] 12} For our^[b] struggle is not against human opponents,^[c] but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us,^[d] and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. ¹³ For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand whenever evil comes. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm.

¹⁴ Stand firm, therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and being firm-footed in the gospel of peace.^{[e] 16} In addition to having clothed yourselves with these things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one, ¹⁷ also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request. Likewise, be alert with your most diligent efforts and pray for all the saints.