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King Solomon

King of Israel, traditional author of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. 4 explained quotes.

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“Pride goes before a fall.”
King Solomon · 500 BC
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≈ Paraphrase
“Pride goes before a fall.”
King Solomon · Proverbs 16:18 (King James Version) · 500 BC · Religious figure

Arrogance leads to ruin. The popular saying shortens a two-part verse from the Book of Proverbs, which pairs pride with destruction and a haughty spirit with a fall.

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“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.”
King Solomon · Ecclesiastes 9:11 (King James Version) · 300 BC · Religious figure

The fastest runner doesn't always win and the strongest army doesn't always conquer. Luck and timing affect everyone, so talent alone is no guarantee.

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“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
King Solomon · Ecclesiastes 3:1 (King James Version) · 300 BC · Religious figure

Life moves through opposite seasons, birth and death, weeping and laughing, and each has its proper time. The passage is both comforting and a reminder that we do not control the timing.

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“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”
King Solomon · Ecclesiastes 9:10 (King James Version) · 300 BC · Religious figure

Whatever work is in front of you, give it everything you have, because life is short and there will be no chance to do it later.

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About King Solomon

Solomon, son of King David, ruled Israel in the tenth century BC according to the Hebrew Bible, which remembers him for his wisdom, his wealth and the Temple in Jerusalem.

Jewish and Christian tradition credits him with the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Most modern scholars think these books were compiled by several writers over a long period, so on this site we describe the passages by book and verse and note the traditional attribution.

More lines by Solomon

Short quotes checked against their sources.

  • “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
    Proverbs 15:1 (King James Version)
  • “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.”
    Ecclesiastes 1:2 (King James Version)
  • “There is no new thing under the sun.”
    Ecclesiastes 1:9 (King James Version)