20
All of King Solomon’s drinking cups were solid gold, as were all the utensils in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. They were not made of silver, for silver was considered worthless in Solomon’s day!
21
The king had a fleet of trading ships of Tarshish manned by the sailors sent by Hiram. Once every three years the ships returned, loaded with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
22
So King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king on earth.
23
Kings from every nation came to consult him and to hear the wisdom God had given him.
24
Year after year everyone who visited brought him gifts of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.