(29) В¶ And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. (30) And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. (31) For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
Here we arrive at the pinnacle of Solomon's glory; the wisdom and largeness of heart which the Lord gave him, not simply in human sciences, though here we find he surpassed the most eminent for learning among the Egyptians and Chaldeans; but Solomon excelled in that wisdom which maketh wise unto salvation. And Reader! do observe the expression; it is said that God gave it to him. Yes! it is not to be acquired. It is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. Zechariah 4:6. But Reader! when you have paid all due respect to what is here said concerning Solomon's wisdom; think only what a shadow the whole of it formed of that, of which the substance is in the person of Jesus, who is emphatically called, by way of summing up his character, Wisdom itself; and in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 8:1 throughout. Colossians 2:3. Oh! thou who art the wisdom of God and the power of God for salvation to thy people! how fully doth all wisdom centre in thy person, and manifest itself in all the saving offices, relations, and characters, by which thou art made known to thy people! and Reader! while you and I are looking up to our only wise God and Saviour, as the apostle Jude his servant justly calls him, let us ask for a portion of that wisdom which maketh wise unto salvation, and that our souls may know the precious assurance, and rejoice in it, that he is made of God to us both wisdom and righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; that all our glorying may be in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31