Ecclesiastes 2:9

So I was great. With unconcealed satisfaction Solomon reflects upon the grandeur of his reign — in much the same spirit as that in which Nebuchadnezzar boasted of his glory: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” (Dan. 4:30). Here Solomon points with pride and satisfaction to the fact that he surpassed all his predecessors, even his father, in wealth and wisdom.

My wisdom remained. Literally, “my wisdom stood to me.” This may be taken to mean that his wisdom stood by him in the sense of helping him to acquire all his possessions, or, that it kept him from going to excess in any indulgence (see on v. 3). Jewish commentators suggest both ideas. In the midst of folly Solomon thought himself wise, as an intoxicated person thinks himself sober.