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Solomon lived around 1000-922 BC and ruled as King of Israel and Judah from 961 BC to 922 BC. Solomon was son of King David and Bathsheba, and was appointed heir to the throne at the sacrifice of his older brother Adonijah. The exact dates of his life are disputed, but generally with variations no larger than 10 years.

Solomon is by Biblical tradition considered to be the greatest king of Israel. He is remembered for keeping a large kingdom together, comprising most of today’s Middle East; for building the Temple of Jerusalem; and for his wisdom. Solomon married daughters of neighbouring kings which resulted in a total of 700 wives and 300 concubines. His main wife was the daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh.

Although he was a ruler at a young age, he soon became known for his wisdom. The first and most famous incident of his cleverness as a judge was when two women came to his court with a baby whom both women claimed as their own. Solomon threatened to split the baby in half. One woman was prepared to accept the decision, but the other begged the King to give the live baby to the other woman. Solomen then knew the second woman was the mother.

People from surrounding nations also came to hear Solomon’s wisdom. He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. He wrote the Song of Songs, the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

“Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor
that he can carry in his hand.”

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

“Train up a child in the way that he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”

“A good name is rather to be chosen than riches.”

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider.”

“A merry heart doeth good like medicine.”

“Who is the wise man? He who sees what’s going to be born.”

“Start with GOD-the first step in learning is bowing down to GOD; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.”

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

“There is a time to get (win) and a time to lose.”

“A fool is wise in his eyes.”

“Kindness and faithfulness keep a king safe, through kindness his throne is made secure.”