Prophet Description
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Solomon was born around 1000 BCE and was a wise and wealthy king who succeeded his father, King David. According to the book of First Kings, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon requested an understanding heart and the ability to judge between good and evil. This divinely received wisdom is captured in the book of Proverbs.
Solomon is also renowned for planning and financing the temple that housed the Ark of the Covenant. Solomon’s Temple was lavishly constructed from the finest stones, cedar, and gold. The temple was a major center for Jerusalem’s economy, and the primary location for sacrifices. The temple was eventually destroyed in 586 BCE by King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians, which unfortunately left the Ark of the Covenant lost to history.
The “golden age” of Israel lasted 40 years under King Solomon’s rule. Solomon died at 60 of natural causes and was succeeded by his son Rehoboam. Shortly after Rehoboam assumed the throne, the Kingdom of Israel was divided into two hostile kingdoms.
New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 12
26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 6
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 27
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 16
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 20
9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”?New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 20
24 A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 22
7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 13
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 15
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.New King James Bible - Proverbs - Chapter 26
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.