King Solomon
A Life of Wisdom, Wealth, and Warnings
I have always been fascinated by King Solomon. He was the King of Wisdom, and he wrote profound aspects of the Bible. Yet, he seems so deeply troubled later in life. And yet, there is so much about wisdom that we can learn from him.
“Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in… Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people.” —1 Kings 3:7,9 (ESV)
The story of Solomon is one of the most fascinating in the Bible. Known for his incredible wisdom, breathtaking wealth, and grand accomplishments, Solomon’s life began with promise but ended with warning. His story is both an inspiration and a cautionary tale, reminding us that wisdom starts with God. Still, it must be continually pursued and applied with humility and obedience.
In this post, we’ll examine three aspects of Solomon’s life: his rise to the throne, his extraordinary wisdom, and the timeless lessons we can learn from it.
Solomon’s Life – A Promising Beginning
Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. Although not the firstborn, God chose Solomon to succeed David as king of Israel. His ascent to the throne wasn’t without challenges. Still, once he was firmly established, he quickly became one of the most powerful and wealthy kings the world had ever known.
In the early years of his reign, Solomon's heart pleased God. One of the most well-known stories about him occurs in 1 Kings 3 when God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him anything he desired. Instead of asking for riches, power, or fame, Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people of Israel well.
God was pleased with this request and said:
“Because you have asked this… behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind… I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor.” (1 Kings 3:11-13)
Solomon’s reign brought peace, prosperity, and international fame to Israel. He built the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling a dream his father David had carried but was not permitted to complete. Under Solomon, Israel became a center of culture, commerce, and divine worship.
Solomon’s Wisdom – A Gift from God
Solomon’s wisdom was legendary. Scripture says he was wiser than all other men (1 Kings 4:30-31), and his fame spread to neighboring nations. He wrote most of the Book of Proverbs, and many attribute Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs to his hand.
His wisdom was practical, spiritual, and poetic. He understood the complexities of human nature, the rhythms of life, and the importance of fearing the Lord:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” – Proverbs 9:10
One of Solomon's most famous displays of wisdom is found in 1 Kings 3:16–28, when two women came to him, claiming to be the mother of the same baby. Solomon called for a sword and said the child should be divided in two—knowing the birth mother would rather give up her child than see him harmed. Her reaction revealed the truth, and Solomon awarded her the child.
Solomon’s wisdom wasn’t just in clever decisions—it reflected a deeper understanding of justice, leadership, and God's heart. People came from all over the world to hear him speak, including the famous Queen of Sheba, who marveled at his kingdom's wisdom and beauty (1 Kings 10).
But Solomon’s wisdom also warned of the dangers of pride, sin, and turning away from God. In Ecclesiastes, likely written in his later years, Solomon wrestled with the emptiness of a life lived apart from God. He reflects on success, pleasure, toil, and wisdom itself—ultimately concluding:
“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13
What We Can Learn from Solomon’s Life
Solomon’s story is rich with lessons. His life teaches us the value of wisdom and the consequences of drifting from it.
Wisdom Is the Greatest Treasure We Can Seek
When God offered Solomon anything, he chose wisdom. His example reminds us that the fear of the Lord and an understanding heart are worth more than riches. If we want to live with purpose, lead well, and make sound decisions, we must pursue wisdom—and that begins with knowing God through His Word.
“Get wisdom; get insight… Prize her highly, and she will exalt you and honor you if you embrace her.” – Proverbs 4:5,8
God Can Use Imperfect People for His Purposes
Solomon was not perfect—far from it. His parents’ relationship began in scandal, and later in life, he compromised his devotion to God by marrying foreign wives who turned his heart toward idols (1 Kings 11). Despite his failings, God still used Solomon to fulfill divine promises and build His temple.
This reminds us that God’s grace is bigger than our past, and He can use us even when we feel unqualified or broken. However, it also serves as a warning: continued disobedience has consequences. Solomon’s turning away from God eventually led to the division of Israel after his death.
Wisdom Alone Is Not Enough—We Must Obey God
Though Solomon was the wisest man of his time, he did not always follow his advice. The very things he warned against in Proverbs—pride, sexual immorality, idolatry—became snares in his own life.
Wisdom must be paired with obedience. Knowing what is right and doing what is right are not the same. Solomon’s downfall wasn’t due to a lack of knowledge—it was a failure to stay close to God.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
We must ask for wisdom and stay rooted in a daily relationship with God. That is the true path to a wise and meaningful life.
Conclusion: Living the Legacy of Wisdom
Solomon’s life is a powerful blend of brilliance and brokenness. He began with humility and dependence on God and was blessed beyond measure. But even his great wisdom could not shield him from the consequences when his heart strayed.
His story reminds us that wisdom is not a one-time request—it’s a lifelong journey. It is a daily walk with God, choosing His way over our own and keeping our hearts aligned with His truth.
Let’s follow Solomon’s example of asking God for wisdom, but let’s also go one step further. Let’s obey it, live it, and pass it on to the next generation.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” —James 1:5 (NKJV)
J.R. HEIMBIGNER is a #1 Bestselling Christian Author on Amazon who writes about faith and writing books. You can pick up my other books here:
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I have learned a lot from the study of Solomon over the the last year or two. He shows that it's very important to be careful who spend time with.
We also have to stay in close relationship with God so we will know when we are heading down the wrong path.
Thanks for sharing this.
I have learned a lot from the study of Solomon over the the last year or two. He shows that it's very important to be careful who spend time with.
We also have to stay in close relationship with God so we will know when we are heading down the wrong path.
Thanks for sharing time.