In ancient times the legendary wisdom of King Solomon (c. 990-931 BCE) was known far and wide. The Bible recounts that God loved Solomon greatly and appeared to him in a dream saying, “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon chose neither riches nor fame, but answered, “Give to Your servant an understanding heart, that I may discern between good and evil.” God was so pleased with Solomon's response that, besides a “wise and understanding heart,” He gave him “both riches and honor,” so that there should be none “like you among the kings all your days” (1 Kings 3:3-13). Some traditions, both Jewish and Christian, tell that Solomon also received a magic ring from the angel Michael, giving him the power to rule over creatures―Solomon even knew the language of the birds!