1 Kings 4:34
And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom. And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.
The wisdom in view was given by God and was extraordinary in knowledge and understanding and insight. Its fame spread throughout the world, so that people from many nations and from distant lands came to hear him. Kings from across the earth who had heard of his wisdom came with them.
Those who came marveled at his knowledge and insight. They marveled also at his character and power and at the glory of his reign, so that his wisdom and the excellence of his character and his greatness were widely acknowledged and he became a wonder to the world. Visitors from distant lands sought instruction from him, especially guidance in managing difficult matters and affairs. His wise and faithful direction of the construction of the temple helped spread his fame.
Through his wisdom and righteousness honor came to Israel, and the surrounding nations received a testimony to the power of Jehovah. He taught those who came from many lands that God is the Creator of all things, and they left with new and wonderful impressions of the living God, learning to see nature as an instructor. His own study of living and nonliving things had shown him God's wisdom in nature and had deepened his love and knowledge of God.
His later fall shows that even such wisdom did not preserve him once he surrendered virtue and self-control. His love of women led him into idolatry, weakened his character, and separated him from God, the source of his strength. In contrast to his renown for wisdom, he later ruled as a despot when he stopped making God his guide, and the nation copied his example. The lesson is to guard against temptation and depend on God for strength to the end.