1. “So I became great”

a) There were others who may rightly be considered “great” as well.

b) Solomon wrote with candour and said plainly, that he excelled more than all who were before him in Jerusalem.

c) Greatness in the ancient days may be defined along the following lines:

i) Wealth

ii) Status in life

iii) Power

iv) Fame

v) Achievements

These continue to be the yardstick for measuring “greatness” even today.

2. Special notations:

a) “Wisdom remained with me”

Wisdom may be further defined as:

i) Intellectual capacity.

ii) Width and depth Knowledge.

iii) Discernment and perception.

b) “Pleasure”

i) He did not lose the joy of life.

ii) He was able to write that he was able to find pleasure in what he did.

c) “Joy”

i) His joy was found in his labour.

ii) His joy was well-earned.

iii) He saw joy as his reward for all the effort put in.

But had Solomon found what he was looking for in his life?