From striving comes wisdom;
from not, wisdom’s end.
Knowing these two courses
— development and decline —
conduct yourself
so that wisdom will grow.
– Verse from the Dhammapada.
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Author: Bite-Size Dhamma
I'm a Buddhist layperson, trying to live well and skilfully with compassion, generosity, and discernment. I work in the field of housing law and homelessness. I have a beautiful kind wife and a very cute dog.
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Bite-size Dhamma 
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.” – Ecclesiastes 1:14
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Solomon identified that there is much suffering in the world. Through striving, he gained that wisdom. What he believed was that there was nothing we could do about it.
Buddha told us the same about suffering, but that he also sees the cause, and the cessation.
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Maybe, but according to the biblical story he was granted wisdom through asking.
“God said to Solomon, ‘Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.'” – 2 Chronicles 1:10-12
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I suppose there will always be contradictions from one belief system to another. You could try both out I guess. We’re in a position to put what we believe into practice and test it out for ourselves.
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