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.
[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).
Jake Swink says
Solomon’s authority on wisdom almost feels like there will never be such a wise person ever again. But I am glad that it was not from Solomon that all wisdom flows, but from the Holy God of the Bible. YHWH. Reading all of these posts, get me all fired up about studying more of His work.
RR says
I find it interesting that the number 666 can only be found here and in one other book of the Bible – Revelations