Bible Verses for Solomon in the Bible

Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, was the third king of Israel and is remembered above all for his extraordinary God-given wisdom. When God appeared to him in a dream and offered him whatever he desired, Solomon did not ask for riches or long life, but for discernment to govern, praying, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad" (1KI.3.9). This humble request pleased the LORD, who answered, "Lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee" (1KI.3.12). God's gift to Solomon was vast beyond measure: "God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore" (1KI.4.29). His reign brought a golden age to Israel, marked by peace, prosperity, and the building of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. So renowned was his wisdom and wealth that "king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom" (1KI.10.23), and indeed "king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom" (2CH.9.22). Rulers from distant lands, including the Queen of Sheba, traveled to hear him. His prayer at the dedication of the Temple captured his heart's desire: "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people" (2CH.1.10). Yet Solomon's life also carries a sobering warning. Despite his unmatched wisdom, "when Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God" (1KI.11.4). His foreign marriages drew him into idolatry, dividing his devotion and ultimately his kingdom after his death. Solomon's story reminds us that wisdom is a gift to be guarded, that knowledge without wholehearted faithfulness is not enough, and that the fear of the LORD must remain the foundation of a life well lived.