Solomon was qualified to compose Proverbs, not only because of God’s wisdom and God’s promise, but also because he had:

3. Great Wealth.

King Solomon had an annual income of 666 talents of gold (1 Kings 10:14).  (This amount only takes into account his base salary; adding in tax revenue and investment income would push the figure even higher.  See 1 Kings 10:15.)  Translated into modern American currency, Solomon’s annual income was in excess of $1 billion.[1]  To put this figure into perspective, note that Tiger Woods (the world’s highest paid athlete) made only $75 million in 2010 (down from $125 million in 2009).  It would be difficult to find anyone in our generation comparable to Solomon in his wealth.

The point of this little economics lesson is this: what could you do with all that capital?  If Solomon lacked for anything, he could acquire it.  If he wanted to try something out, it was his.  He had access to the best technology, education, public safety, athletics, arts & entertainment, food, hobbies, and service that the world could offer him.  Whatever his eyes desired, he did not keep from them.[2]  Solomon explored every aspect of the created world with his wisdom, and he carefully examined it for every ounce of value.  He now provides his experience (both positive and negative) of every delightful thing in a collection of wise sayings.

In conclusion, Solomon was abundantly qualified to take on the role of the sage of Israel and of the world.  He had every possible resource at his disposal, and God gave him both the insight and the power to evaluate it wisely.  His credentials are sufficient to the task of imparting wisdom.

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[1] Some readers won’t be able to hear anything else I write until they know how I arrived at this figure.  This footnote is just for you.  The New Bible Dictionary (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1962), p.1234 states that 1 ancient talent equals approximately 30 modern kilograms.  Therefore, 666 talents = 19,980kg = 19,980,000g.  In June 2012, 24 karat gold was worth about $52/gram.  Therefore, 19,980,000g of 24 karat gold = $1.04 billion.

[2] Ecclesiastes 2:10.  Even if, as some claim, Solomon were not “the Preacher” of Ecclesiastes, it would appear that the Preacher at least aims to connect his spiritual authority with Solomon’s reputation (see Ecclesiastes 1:1).

Yesterday, we saw how God’s wisdom qualified Solomon to compose Proverbs.  Today, we’ll examine the second of his credentials.

2. God’s Promise.

The Lord himself promised to build up and sustain Solomon in his wisdom.  First, he promised him a kingdom.  Speaking to Solomon’s father David, God said, “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom” (2 Samuel 7:12, ESV).  Second, he promised to have a special relationship with Solomon: “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.  When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him” (2 Samuel 7:14, ESV).  Third, he promised to love him to the end: “My steadfast love will not depart from him” (2 Samuel 7:15, ESV).

Notice how these first two resources (God’s wisdom and God’s promise) are connected.  Solomon could have all the wisdom in the world, but without the promise of God to sustain him, it would all be for naught.  Imagine studying for a test.  You can learn every fact and formula.  You could even memorize a transcript of every word your teacher spoke in class.  These actions might impart wisdom to you.  But if you get no sleep the night before the exam, you will have no power or ability to recall and apply everything you learned.  So God’s wisdom gave Solomon the raw insight he needed, and God’s promise gave Solomon the beautiful power of follow-through.