(although long life and wealth are). The whole implication of all this is that Solomon has recognized and God is confirming that the “wisdom” of chapter 2 was of a highly unenlightened, self-serving sort, which must now be replaced with a higher sort, in order that the king may rule justly and well over his subjects (3:9, 11). An important theme of the OT is brought to mind by such a reading: it is the fear of the LORD that is truly the beginning of wisdom (Job 28:28; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 15:33). Solomon