14. How wise you were, Solomon, when you were young! Your knowledge was like the Nile in flood.
15. Your influence reached over all the world; your proverbs and riddles were known everywhere.
16. You were famous everywhere, and people loved you for bringing peace.
17. Nations round the world held you in admiration for your songs, proverbs, parables, and witty sayings.
18. You gathered silver and gold as if it were tin or lead, all in the name of the Lord God of Israel.
19. But your lust for women was your downfall.
20. You stained your reputation and that of your descendants. They suffered punishment for that foolishness of yours, which caused them so much grief.