Was Solomon Truly Wise?
Even most non-Christians have heard of the wisdom of Solomon. They have heard of the story where Solomon gave the wise ruling for the two prostitutes who were fighting over a baby (1Kings 3). Solomon was heralded by those around him as the wisest of his time and is thought of as one of the wisest people to ever live. But was he truly wise?
Solomon ignored God’s command in Deuteronomy 17:17 to not take many wives and a command in Deuteronomy 7:3 to not marry foreign women. Who did Solomon first marry (that we know of)? He married Pharoah’s daughter in order to make a peace treaty with Egypt. In the world’s sight, this was very wise. Their borders became more secure and their country prospered from this decision. But later the country that protected Solomon’s enemies ended up being Egypt (1Kings 11). Then Solomon’s son who inherited the throne ended up being invaded by Egypt and they stripped Jerusalem of all its treasures from Solomon’s reign (1Kings 14:25). So that “wise” decision ended up being wise in the short term, but very foolish in the long term.
And as for all those other foreign wives Solomon married in order to establish more political alliances? They led his heart astray and brought horrible idolatry into the country. What brought temporary pleasure and prosperity ended up leading to permanent struggles of idolatry and backsliding in the country. Solomon was a wise man in the world’s eyes, but great wisdom apart from God only ends in pride and destruction. Solomon’s sin led to God dividing the kingdom and many future civil wars.
Solomon’s initial request for wisdom to God (1Kings 3) was for “discernment to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” God was pleased by this request. When Solomon had to discern who was the mother of the baby he said, “Let the baby be cut into two and half given to each woman.” When he saw one of the two woman respond with compassion towards the baby he discerned that she was the true mother. Such wise discernment! Such blessed justice! Godly wisdom reveals God’s kingdom here on earth. Light shines in the darkness. Justice is established. Love, joy, peace, and other good fruit are released. Wisdom is meant to bless God and bless His creation; it should never lead to selfish gain or sin. Worldly wisdom leads to worldly gain. So in light of eternity, worldly wisdom is foolish. Just read the book of Ecclesiastes, considered to be Solomon’s last words after he had sought pleasure and happiness in everything but God. It starts with the declaration, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!”
Later in Ecclesiastes 1:14 the author exclaims, “I have seen all things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” The phrase “under the sun” can be interpreted as, “outside of eternity” or “apart from God.” A life without eternity in mind is a futile life. The temporary pleasures don’t add up enough to bring lasting contentment. Only a life lived by God’s view, by His wisdom, can bring true joy. God’s wisdom reveals His kingdom here on earth.
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
God, grant us wisdom! Grant us wisdom to see from a heavenly perspective and not from a worldly perspective. Grant us wisdom to bring light, love, justice, hope, and rest into this world. Amen!
