12. Because of his merits he had as successora wise son, who lived in security:
13. Solomon reigned during an era of peace,for God brought rest to all his borders.He built a house to the name of God,and established a lasting sanctuary.
14. How wise you were when you were young,overflowing with instruction, like the Nile in flood!
15. Your understanding covered the whole earth,and, like a sea, filled it with knowledge.
16. Your fame reached distant coasts,and you were beloved for your peaceful reign.
17. With song and proverb and riddle,and with your answers, you astounded the nations.
18. You were called by that glorious namewhich was conferred upon Israel.Gold you gathered like so much iron;you heaped up silver as though it were lead.
19. But you abandoned yourself to womenand gave them dominion over your body.
20. You brought a stain upon your glory,shame upon your marriage bed,Wrath upon your descendants,and groaning upon your deathbed.
21. Thus two governments came into being,when in Ephraim kingship was usurped.