The Queen of Sheba said of Solomon‘s wealth and wisdom, “…I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.” 1st Kings 10:7

Consider a few impressive details concerning Solomon‘s reign:

666 talents of gold annually, 1st Kings 10:14 (that’s nearly 25 tons!)
Valuable wares from all the Arab kings, 10:15
An ivory throne overlaid with gold unlike any other, 10:18-20
Drinking vessels made of gold (no piddly silver vessels because silver was not even considered valuable), 10:21
Wait! Where is the praise for a strong economy? Why does God not compliment Solomon on a foreign Exotic animals, apes and peacocks, 10:22
1,400 chariots & 12,000 horsemen, 10:26
Silver as common as stones and cedar as common as sycamores, 10:27
“All the earth” sought his presence to hear his God-given wisdom, 10:24

One would think that for bringing the nation of Israel into such prosperity and prominence, Solomon would have been the apple of God’s eye . One would be wrong. Solomon’s reign was glorious only by earthly standards. The reality of his kingship is summed up in one tragically terse statement:

Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as David his father had done. 1st Kings 11:6

policy so influential that world leaders are coming to him for wisdom? What of his provisions for a strong military and national security?

It is as Jesus later said, “…that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God”, Luke 16:15. Indeed, what does God care about wealth, power and popularity when His majesty is despised? You know!

Solomon forgot the Lord. As a result, God tore the kingdom from him and even raised up enemies against him, 1st Kings 11:11 & 14.

Are you a Solomon?

Do you worship faithfully and regularly or carelessly and haphazardly?
Do you sacrifice for Jesus, or someone, something else?
Do you thirst for God’s word, or neglect Bible class and personal study?
Do you give as the Lord has prospered you, or just above embarrassment level?
---------- your own questions here - 2nd Corinthians 13:5 ---------

Solomon forgot the Lord, but you and I can do better.
Marty Kessler