“After David,
A wise son rose up.
Because of David,
He lived in security.
Solomon reigned
In an age of peace.
Because God
Made all his borders tranquil,
He was able
To build a house for his name.
He provided a sanctuary
To stand forever.
How wise you were
When you were young!
You overflowed
Like the Nile River
With understanding.
Your influence spread
Throughout the earth.
You filled it with proverbs
Having deep meaning.
Your fame reached
To far-off islands.
You were loved
For your peaceful reign.
Your songs,
Your proverbs,
Your parables,
With the answers you gave
Astonished the nations.
In the name of the Lord God,
Who is called the God of Israel,
You gathered gold like tin.
You amassed silver like lead.”
Sirach points out that King Solomon inherited a peaceful nation with secure borders because his father, King David had fought so many battles. Thus Solomon was able to build a Temple for the name of Yahweh and a sanctuary that would exist forever. King Solomon was wise from his youth with an understanding like that of the great Nile River. His proverbs had deep meanings, as his influence and fame spread throughout the whole world, even to far-off islands. Solomon’s songs, proverbs, and parables astonished everyone. When Solomon called upon the name of the Lord, he amassed a great fortune in gold and silver, as if they were like tin or lead.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 