Why study the life of Solomon? What can we possibly learn from a man who lived almost 3,000 years ago? Not only did he live in a different era and culture, but he also faced circumstances far removed from our own. Solomon was a king, scientist, writer, architect, businessman, and administrator. He lived in the Middle East, balancing the powers of the nations around him. Few, if any, who read this volume will be kings, and certainly none will have 700 wives! Nor are most of us involved in matters of international politics and power.

Solomon's wisdom was remarkable in his day, and although modern technology has advanced far beyond anything he knew, we should beware of chronological snobbery. The question remains: what value does his life hold for us today?

As we examine the occasions when Scripture draws lessons from Solomon's life and refers to events connected with him, we are reminded of Paul's words: "The things written aforetime were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4). If the Spirit of God considered the events of Solomon's life worthy of record for our instruction, then we are fully justified in studying his life as well.