The Wisdom of Solomon

Solomon “sought to honor God by adding to his mental and spiritual strength. . . . None understood better than he that it was through the favor of Jehovah that he had come into possession of power and wisdom and understanding, and that these gifts were bestowed that he might give to the world a knowledge of the King of kings.

“Solomon took an especial interest in natural history, but his researches were not confined to any one branch of learning. Through a diligent study of all created things, . . . he gained a clear conception of the Creator. In the forces of nature, in the mineral and the animal world, and in every tree and shrub and flower, he saw a revelation of God’s wisdom; and as he sought to learn more and more, his knowledge of God and his love for Him constantly increased. “Solomon’s divinely inspired wisdom found expression in songs of praise and in many proverbs. . . . “In the proverbs of Solomon are outlined principles of holy living and high endeavor, principles that are heaven-born and that lead to godliness, principles that should govern every act of life. It was the wide dissemination of these principles, and the recognition of God as the One to whom all praise and honor belong, that made Solomon’s early reign a time of moral uplift as well as of material prosperity.” Of Solomon’s proverbs, only some are preserved.

Of his songs, only Song of Solomon and perhaps one or two of his psalms still exist. Of his scientific and secular writings, none are known to exist.

Even so, Solomon’s reputation for wisdom is firmly established in Scripture.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).