Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining Part 3, “What you should know about King Solomon.” If you were busy living your Ten Commandments-centered life and missed last week’s Part 2 or Part 1 from two weeks ago, please read now so I don’t have to spend pixels to review. (Smiley face.)
Meanwhile, the rest of us will watch this “Song of Songs” music video since today we will discuss the three Hebrew Bible books authored by Solomon — Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Remember that King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, so he was “royally qualified” to write a love poetry Bible book.
The three books follow one another together, and Proverbs is first. Some scholars believe that Solomon was not the only Proverbs writer. Here is what the Bible records in (1 Kings 3:5-15) — King Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule over the people of Israel — God’s people, and Proverbs is wisdom. Proverbs is the world’s first self-help guide, chock full of godly and practical advice for living your best life that is pleasing to God. The book is a legacy of God’s gift of wisdom to Solomon that transcends time and begins with an explanation of its purpose:
“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1 (1-7).
It is difficult to stop reading after that big bang opening. Due to space considerations, here are only a few of the most popular Proverbs that are evergreen with wisdom:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). (You can stop right there if you put that Proverb into practice!)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). (Sound advice that never stops beating.)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). (After a long marriage, imagine how sharp one becomes!)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). (Destined for requoting at family gatherings.)
The previous verses are meant to encourage you to dive deeper into Proverbs.
Bonus read: In 2022, I wrote Vol. 105 about the “Proverbs 31 Woman.” My study was light-hearted because this multi-skilled, perfect wife and human being was a fantasy written by a king with 700 wives. The problem is that the Proverbs 31 woman makes the rest of us feel inadequate.
Now, let’s briefly explore Ecclesiastes. This book examines reflecting upon one’s life purpose, the futility of human endeavors, and fulfillment with the philosophical question, “Why am I here?” There are common sayings rooted in this book, such as:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
“I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.” (Ecclesiastes 3:10).
“That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:13).
Also, check out Vol. 102, where I discuss the Ecclesiastes passages upon which a popular 1960s song was based — “Turn, Turn, Turn,” by The Byrds.
Again, I have merely skimmed the surface of Ecclesiastes, but hopefully, I have sparked your interest to read more.
The final book authored by King Solomon is “Song of Songs” — poetry about love and beauty. Here is a representative passage from the King who admired women. Men: Try using this love language on your beloved:
“How beautiful your sandaled feet, O prince’s daughter! Your graceful legs are like jewels, the work of an artist’s hands. Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies.”
“Your breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle. Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon looking toward Damascus.”
“Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel. Your hair is like royal tapestry; the king is held captive by its tresses. How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights! Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit. I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.’ May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine” (Song of Songs 7:1-9).
To summarize this three-part series, “What you should know about King Solomon,” Part 1 focused on why the Lord chose Solomon to be King. He was to build the Temple of Jerusalem, a goal that eluded his father, King David. The Lord granted Solomon wisdom because the young king asked for that gift to help him rule God’s people.
Part 2 was about the famous story representing “Solomonic wisdom” — the splitting of the baby. We also discussed Solomon’s downfall, his disobeying the Lord’s commands.
Part 3 was a brief overview of Solomon’s three Hebrew Bible books, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. All three offer insights into human nature, a relationship with God, how to deal with life’s highs and lows, leadership, justice, personal reflection, and the poetry of love and beauty.
King Solomon is a complex character from whom we learn the consequences of wise and destructive behaviors. Since sinful human nature never changes, we often disobey God's commandments and lack of trust in Him. So, to compensate, here is a foundation of wisdom upon which to build your life: Believe in Him, always pray in His Name, and read the wisdom of His Word. Amen to that!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, which is dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. The National Shroud of Turin Exhibit recently hosted a four-day exhibit (with a VIP guest) at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, IN. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>
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