Solomon and Wisdom
1 Kings 1:38-40; 2:1-4; 3:6-15; Proverbs 1:1-7; Ecclesiastes 1:1; 12:9-10; 13-14, Song of Solomon

The Story in a Nutshell

Before King David died he wanted to assure the future of Israel, so he had his son, Solomon, anointed to be the next king.  As the time for King David’s death approached, he went to great lengths to encourage Solomon to follows God’s ways in everything he would do.  And if he followed God’s ways, he would be very successful.  Shortly after Solomon established his rule as king, the Lord appeared to him in a dream.  The Lord said to Solomon, “Ask what you want of me and I will give it to you.”  Solomon realized how challenging it would to be king, so instead of asking for things like riches or glory, he asked for wisdom.  The Lord was so pleased with Solomon’s request that he not only gave him wisdom, but he gave him wealth as well.  With the wisdom God gave Solomon, Solomon wrote many proverbs (general truths or pieces of advice).  Solomon wanted the people to receive wise instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair.  Solomon wanted his subjects to be wise for he knew that the beginning of knowledge and wisdom is fear of the Lord. He also knew that fools would despise wisdom and discipline and he didn’t want a nation of fools. In addition to Proverbs, Solomon wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.

Review Questions

What did David want to do before he died?

What did David encourage Solomon to do?

When God told Solomon he could have anything he wanted, what did Solomon ask for?

What did God give Solomon?

What did Solomon do with the wisdom God gave him?

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