Solomon

Day 37, Mar 12, 2024

Text:  1 Kings 1:32-35; 1 Kings 3: 3-15

Introduction- King Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, was the third and final king of the United Kingdom of Israel. He is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, most notably the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. He is the author of the Song of Solomon, the book of Ecclesiastes, and much of the book of Proverbs. His life serves as both an example of wisdom and prosperity and a cautionary tale about the perils of straying from one’s faith and moral principles. Be blessed as we look at some lessons from his life.

Life Lessons

1. God can use anyone regardless of our background – 2 Sam 12:9;24-25: God made an inexplicable choice when he decided Solomon should be the next king. Solomon was David’s child with Bathsheba, a woman David never should have been involved with in the first place. Solomon’s birth is a vivid picture of God’s grace. God can take something that is ugly and worthless and turn it into something beautiful. He did this with David and Bathsheba, and He can do the same with our lives.

2. Prayer Changes Things – 2 Chron 1: 8-12: One prayer changed Solomon’s life. Solomon had an amazing spiritual experience—a conversation with God. God offered Solomon anything, and Solomon asked for something of great value—He made a life-changing request of God. If you’re going through a rough time or struggling with a tough decision – take a moment to pray and reflect. Prayer can bring forth the answer or enlightenment that you need.

3. Always be Cognizant of how God speaks and be ready to engage – 1 Kings 3:15: The encounter God had with King Solomon was through a dream. King Solomon, even in his dream, was cognizant of the voice of the Lord and was able to articulate what he wanted. We also should take a cue from this and (i) realize that the Lord speaks to us in various ways and (ii) we must always walk in the Spirit, so we are ready to engage intelligently when he calls on us.

4. God is honored by Excellence – 2 Chron 2:5: David and Solomon were given specific instructions on the temple’s construction. Solomon built the temple to God’s exact specifications. Both God and His people were honored by this beautiful place of worship. We don’t have to make a grand gesture or do something elaborate but whatever you do must be done to the best of your ability. God wants you to give your all because you are honoring God by your excellence.

5. Wisdom Glorifies God 1 Kings 4:29 – God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.  1 Kings 10:24 – People from every nation came to consult him and to hear the wisdom God had given him. True wisdom comes from God and glorifies Him. James 1: 5 says If you will ask God for wisdom, the Bible promises that He will give it. Making good decisions glorifies God and if you choose to make poor decisions that dishonors God. If people around you see that you’ve made good decisions and honor God, they will come to you for advice and guidance.

6. It takes great integrity to handle success/prosperity – 2 Chron 9:22; 1 Kings 11:7 Solomon’s kingdom was marked by unprecedented peace, wealth, and splendor. He was the wisest man who ever lived, yet he did not handle his prosperity well. His resources, in fact, eventually went into the construction of pagan temples. Israel itself would soon follow in his footsteps of forgetting God. The greater our prosperity or success, the more likely we are to forget our need for God. Let us never forget this inherent danger that comes with material and other blessings. Don’t just pray for success—pray for the character to handle success as well.

7. Bad Company Corrupts Good Manners – 1 Kings 11:4: Solomon was not immune from the influence of those he chose to spend his time with. Being supremely wise and God’s anointed did not protect him from this. We will become like those we chose to be close to—there is no escaping this reality. Choose your friends wisely and do not surround yourself with people that possess bad attitudes and do not glorify God.

8. Don’t chase after material things – all is Vanity – Eccl 12:8: One of Solomon’s favorite words in Ecclesiastes is the word, “vanity.” He uses it 38 times. Whatever disappears quickly, leaves nothing behind, and does not satisfy his vanity. Never allow vanity to consume your life because things that are vain will not last and have no real value. Stay faithful and do not allow material items to become who you are.

Lesson of the Day

Let us heed the word of the wise King who at the end of it all summed it up in Eccl 12: 13-24 – “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”

Complied by: Olaolu Ayodeji