The Wisdom of Solomon

In ancient times the legendary wisdom of King Solomon (c. 990-931 BCE) was known far and wide. The Bible recounts that God loved Solomon greatly and appeared to him in a dream saying, “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon chose neither riches nor fame, but answered, “Give to Your servant an understanding heart, that I may discern between good and evil.” God was so pleased with Solomon's response that, besides a “wise and understanding heart,” He gave him “both riches and honor,” so that there should be none “like you among the kings all your days” (1 Kings 3:3-13). Some traditions, both Jewish and Christian, tell that Solomon also received a magic ring from the angel Michael, giving him the power to rule over creatures—Solomon even knew the language of the birds! Award-winning author, Demi, recounts the extraordinary life of King Solomon, from his meeting with the Queen of Sheba to the building of the great temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. An appendix features a selection of Solomon's most famous wisdom sayings.