King Solomon’s reputation precedes him as stories of his wealth and wisdom are heard around the world. One individual that hears the tale of this great king is the queen of Sheba. In fact, she is so intrigued that she and her royal entourage travel some fifteen hundred miles to see for themselves.
After discussing many different issues and touring the kingdom, the queen finds that the stories are more than true. Solomon is remarkably wise and his wealth has no equal on the earth. This allows for a relationship between the nations as trade is established before she journeys home.
Solomon is at the height of his prosperity with tremendous holdings, influence and respect. This is both a wonderful, as well as a dangerous place to be. When we are on the mountain, we can begin to feel invulnerable. Unfortunately this emotion can blur our dependence on the Lord and empower our thoughts of self.
Solomon starts to show signs of indifference to God’s word as this wise man decides to disregard a scriptural warning. In Deuteronomy 17: 16-17 God clearly states “But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.” Yet this is Solomon’s entire focus (verses 25-29).
Compromising the Word of God is where the fall into sin begins. It is important to constantly check ourselves against His word. The Bible is not only there to instruct us, but also to correct us when we get off course. (2 Timothy 3:16)
No matter how wise we may be by the world’s standards, we are no match for the wisdom of God. Let’s be careful not to get full of ourselves and loose sight of what’s really important. This life should not be about us, but Him. Our task is to remind our flesh of this every day as we use God’s word to reveal His will.
1 Kings 10