How did King Solomon use the wisdom God gave him?

Answer 1

1 Kings 3 records how God asked Solomon what he desired, and it was wisdom that he sought. Because it was selfless in motive, God gave him this ability:

5In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgement; 12Behold, I have done according to thy words: 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.

Answer 2

A:

The defining legend of Solomon was his great wisdom, gifted to him by God. If there ever was a King Solomon, The Bible says that he was the wisest of kings. Solomon, in a dream, asked God for wisdom.

Finding specific biblical examples of his wisdom proves difficult. In fact, the story of the two mothers is the only biblical account that purports to show Solomon's wisdom. Soon after God granted Solomon wisdom, two women asked for judgement over the ownership of a small baby. In this episode, Solomon gave his most famous judgement. The reader is expected to agree with Solomon when he knew that only one woman would be willing to give up her claim to the child rather than have it killed, and that woman could only have been the birth mother. Real life is more complicated, so it can be a matter for our own judgement whether the insight this passage describes was really either wise or fair, allowing us to think of Solomon as a wise ruler on this count.

In spite of his supposedly personal knowledge of God, 1 Kings chapter 11 says that Solomon unwisely began to worship other gods. Elsewhere in the Bible, Solomon demonstrated no political wisdom, nor even sufficient common sense to govern wisely in the interests of his own son's succession to the throne of the United Monarchy. The Bible tells us that Solomon's reckless spending and swingeing taxes, maintained by his son, were the cause of the breakup of the United Monarchy.

The Jewish people needed a glorious past, with both great and wise rulers, and Solomon became part of that past. So, although not actually a wise ruler on the biblical evidence, he was a wise ruler in tradition. Perhaps it is only in later tradition that Solomon became wise ruler.

Answer 3

A:The defining legend of Solomon was his great wisdom, which the Bible says was given to him by God. If there really was a King Solomon, the Bible says that he was the wisest of kings.

Solomon was certainly not wise when he first succeeded David. At 1Kings 1:52, he said that he would not harm Adonijah as long as he showed himself a worthy man. However, in chapter 2, he ordered the death of Adonijah merely because he sought Solomon's approval to marry a woman. He punished the priest Abiathar, who had previously helped Adonijah, and Joab who did not, although he later befriended him. Then he ordered Shimei, who had not been allied with Adonijah, never to leave Jerusalem. Afterwards, Shimei briefly left Jerusalem to recapture and bring back his slaves, so Solomon had him killed. Solomon has demonstrated his lack of good judgement, as a foil for the qualities he would soon display.

Shortly after this, Solomon, in a dream, asked God for wisdom. God simply granted Solomon wisdom. We can see how successfully Solomon received that wisdom by looking at the biblical account of Solomon after he is said to have received wisdom.

Soon after God granted Solomon wisdom, two women asked for judgement over the ownership of a small baby. In this episode, Solomon gave his most famous judgement, the only biblical example of his great wisdom. Solomon, with his profound wisdom, just knew that only one woman would be willing to give up her claim to the child rather than have it killed. Whether the insight this passage describes was really wise can be a matter for our own judgement.

According to the Bible, Solomon demonstrated no political wisdom, nor even sufficient common sense to govern wisely in the interests of his own son's succession to the throne of the United Monarchy. The Bible tells us that Solomon's reckless spending and swingeing taxes, maintained by his son, were the cause of the breakup of the United Monarchy. In spite of his supposedly personal knowledge of God, 1 Kings chapter 11 says that he unwisely began to worship other gods.

Solomon might well have received this gift of wisdom from God just as the Bible says, but it seems he did not have the wisdom to use that gift.

Answer 4

Another answer from our community:

In an ancient compilation of Ethiopian legend and mythology, known as the Kebra Nagast (Glory Of The Kings), there is an interesting account, or variation if you will, of the infamous meeting between King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. In this version Solomon invites the Queen to a banquet, in which he serves her much spicy food. Later, he insists that she spend the night in his palace, to which she agrees. She then made the King promise the he would not take her by force. Solomon swore that he wouldn't under the condition that she would not steal from his palace. Insulted, she agrees. Some hours later, the Queen awakens with great thirst. She reaches over to a jar of water that has been conveniently place beside her bed. Just before she begins to drink, King Solomon appears, and warns her that by quenching her thirst she would be setting him free from their bargain, water being a very valuable possession in Israel. Her thirst to great to ignore, she drinks, and spends the night with Sol. Wise? Well, it certainly explains how he got 1000 wives.

Answer 5

A:The defining legend of Solomon was his great wisdom, given to him by God. If there really was a King Solomon, the Bible says that he was the wisest of kings. However, finding specific biblical examples of how he used his wisdom proves difficult.

Solomon was certainly not wise when he first succeeded David. At 1 Kings 1:52, he said that he would not harm Adonijah as long as he showed himself a worthy man. However, in chapter 2, he ordered the death of Adonijah merely because he sought Solomon's approval to marry a woman. He punished the priest Abiathar, who had previously helped Adonijah, and Joab who did not, although he later befriended him. Then he ordered Shimei, who had not been allied with Adonijah, never to leave Jerusalem. Afterwards, Shimei briefly left Jerusalem to recapture and bring back his slaves, so Solomon had him killed. Solomon has demonstrated his lack of good judgement, as a foil for the qualities he would soon display.

Shortly after this, Solomon, in a dream, asked God for wisdom.

Soon after God granted Solomon wisdom, two women asked for judgement over the ownership of a small baby. In this episode, Solomon gave his most famous judgement, the only biblical example of his great wisdom. Solomon, with his profound wisdom, just knew that only one woman would be willing to give up her claim to the child rather than have it killed. Whether we believe that only the real mother would have save the baby, and therefore whether this was a true example of wisdom, can be a matter for our own judgement.

According to the Bible, Solomon demonstrated no political wisdom, nor even sufficient common sense to govern wisely in the interests of his own son's succession to the throne of the United Monarchy. The Bible tells us that Solomon's reckless spending and swingeing taxes, maintained by his son, were the cause of the breakup of the United Monarchy. In spite of his supposedly personal knowledge of God, 1 Kings chapter 11 says that he unwisely began to worship other gods.

The biblical evidence shows Solomon not to have been a wise ruler, either before or after the gift of wisdom, but Jewish tradition has built up an image of Solomon as a great and wise ruler. Psalms that show any evidence of wisdom have been attributed to him, as have the wisdom books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The Jewish people needed a glorious past, with both great and wise rulers. Solomon became part of that past. So, although not actually a wise ruler on the biblical evidence, he showed great wisdom in tradition.

Answer 6

The Bible tells us that because Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule His people(1 Kings 3:7-9), God rewarded him with more wisdom than anyone else on earth(1 Kings 4:29; 5:12)(Proverbs 1:1-6)(1 Kings 4:30-34)(1 Kings 10:23+24)

This account can be found at 2 Chronicles 1:7-12:

"In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. "(KJV)

Answer 7

A:The defining legend of Solomon was his great wisdom, gifted to him by God. If there really was a King Solomon, the Bible says that he was the wisest of kings. We can even compare the biblical account of Solomon's former lack of wisdom with his actions afterwards.

Solomon was certainly not wise when he first succeeded David. At 1Kings 1:52, he said that he would not harm Adonijah as long as he showed himself a worthy man. However, in chapter 2, he ordered the death of Adonijah merely because he sought Solomon's approval to marry a woman. He punished the priest Abiathar, who had previously helped Adonijah, and Joab who did not, although he later befriended him. Then he ordered Shimei, who had not been allied with Adonijah, never to leave Jerusalem. Afterwards, Shimei briefly left Jerusalem to recapture and bring back his slaves, so Solomon had him killed. Solomon has demonstrated his lack of good judgement, as a foil for the qualities he would soon display.

Shortly after this, Solomon, in a dream, asked God for wisdom. God simply granted Solomon wisdom. We can see how successfully Solomon received that wisdom by looking at the biblical account of Solomon after he is said to have received wisdom.

Soon after God granted Solomon wisdom, two women asked for judgement over the ownership of a small baby. In this episode, Solomon gave his most famous judgement, the only biblical example of his great wisdom. Solomon, with his profound wisdom, just knew that only one woman would be willing to give up her claim to the child rather than have it killed. Whether the insight this passage describes was really wise can be a matter for our own judgement.

According to the Bible, Solomon demonstrated no political wisdom, nor even sufficient common sense to govern wisely in the interests of his own son's succession to the throne of the United Monarchy. The Bible tells us that Solomon's reckless spending and swingeing taxes, maintained by his son, were the cause of the breakup of the United Monarchy. In spite of his supposedly personal knowledge of God, 1 Kings chapter 11 says that he unwisely began to worship other gods.

Jewish tradition has built up an image of Solomon as a great and wise ruler, but there have been many rulers of ancient and modern times who demonstrated greater wisdom than Solomon. Solomon might well have received this gift from God just as the Bible says, but it seems he did not have the wisdom to use that gift.

A:God asked Solomon what he wanted, and Solomon asked for wisdom so that he could rule the people.

Answer 8

A:The defining legend of Solomon was his great wisdom, gifted to him by God. However, finding specific biblical examples of his wisdom proves difficult.

Solomon was certainly not wise when he first succeeded David. At 1Kings 1:52, he said that he would not harm Adonijah as long as he showed himself a worthy man. However, in chapter 2, he ordered the death of Adonijah merely because he sought Solomon's approval to marry a woman. He punished the priest Abiathar, who had previously helped Adonijah, and Joab who did not, although he later befriended him. Then he ordered Shimei, who had not been allied with Adonijah, never to leave Jerusalem. Afterwards, Shimei briefly left Jerusalem to recapture and bring back his slaves, so Solomon had him killed. Solomon has demonstrated his lack of good judgement, as a foil for the qualities he would soon display.

Shortly after this, Solomon, in a dream, asked God for wisdom. Soon after God granted Solomon wisdom, two women asked for judgement over the ownership of a small baby. In this episode, Solomon gave his most famous judgement, the only biblical example of his great wisdom. Solomon, with his profound wisdom, just knew that only one woman would be willing to give up her claim to the child rather than have it killed. Whether the insight this passage describes was really wise can be a matter for our own judgement.

According to the Bible, Solomon demonstrated no political wisdom, nor even sufficient common sense to govern wisely in the interests of his own son's succession to the throne of the United Monarchy. The Bible tells us that Solomon's reckless spending and swingeing taxes, maintained by his son, were the cause of the breakup of the United Monarchy. In spite of his supposedly personal knowledge of God, 1 Kings chapter 11 says that he unwisely began to worship other gods.

The biblical evidence shows Solomon not to have been a wise ruler, either before or after the gift of wisdom, but Jewish tradition has built up an image of Solomon as a great and wise ruler. Psalms that show any evidence of wisdom have been attributed to him, as have the wisdom books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The Jewish people needed a glorious past, with both great and wise rulers. Solomon became part of that past. So, although he did not prove to be a wise ruler on the biblical evidence, he was a wise ruler in tradition.

Answer 9

The defining legend of Solomon was his great wisdom, gifted to him by God. If there ever was a King Solomon, the Bible says that he was the wisest of kings.
Solomon was certainly not wise when he first succeeded David. At 1Kings 1:52, he said that he would not harm Adonijah as long as he showed himself a worthy man. However, in chapter 2, he ordered the death of Adonijah merely because he sought Solomon's approval to marry a woman. He punished the priest Abiathar, who had previously helped Adonijah, and Joab who did not, although he later befriended him. Then he ordered Shimei, who had not been allied with Adonijah, never to leave Jerusalem. Afterwards, Shimei briefly left Jerusalem to recapture and bring back his slaves, so Solomon had him killed.

Solomon has demonstrated his lack of good judgement, as a foil for the qualities he would soon display. Shortly after this, Solomon, in a dream, asked God for wisdom.

Soon after God granted Solomon wisdom, two women asked for judgement over the ownership of a small baby. In this episode, Solomon gave his most famous judgement, the only biblical example of his great wisdom. Solomon, with his profound wisdom, just knew that only one woman would be willing to give up her claim to the child rather than have it killed. Whether this insight was really wise can be a matter for judgement.

If Solomon was wise, this is certainly not evident in the biblical record of his rule. Solomon went on to lead a lavish lifestyle, requiring swingeing taxes to support him. This was particularly unwise, as it was blamed for the breakup of the United Kingdom shortly after his death.

Answer 10

Because it was God who granted him wisdom, and to a great degree (1 Kings 3:5-12).

1) Through his vast God-given wisdom, he spoke and taught about God's creations, influencing many nations (at least temporarily) to recognize the wisdom of God. This is similar to the practice of Abraham(Genesis 21:33) and is what is meant by "And he [Solomon] spoke of the trees, from the cedars of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows on the wall; and he spoke of the animals, the birds, the insects, and the fishes. And people came from all nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom" (1 Kings 5:13-14).

2) King Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem.

3) King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes (Kohellet), Proverbs, and Song of Songs.

See also:

About Solomon's errors

More about the Hebrew Bible

Jewish history timeline