“So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart” (1 Kings 10:23,24).
TEXT — 1 Kings 10:14-29
Message
It is in the nature of God to keep His word. When He makes a promise, He will certainly fulfil it. In the case of His promise to King Solomon, God made him the wisest and wealthiest king of his era. He enabled him to amass fabulous gold revenue and other valuable items by trade, taxation, and tributes from nations far and near. However, the consequences can be severe when a person, like Solomon, takes God’s faithfulness for granted and deviates from His set path.
God prohibited Israel’s kings from accumulating wealth or multiplying horses (Deuteronomy 17:16,17). But Solomon broke all the rules; thereby, sowing the seed of his downfall. His abundant wealth and fame resulted in more flagrant disobedience to God’s law, the very reason God discouraged the compulsive acquisition of wealth.
There is nothing intrinsically wrong with riches, but the prohibition was given because riches are deceitful and can distract even the wisest of men if they are not watchful. Often, wealth makes people complacent, self-indulgent, proud, and insensitive to heavenly realities. But if well managed, people can use wealth to glorify God by promoting the gospel and impacting the lives of others. It is on account of this that rich people are commanded not to be high-minded or trust in uncertain riches but “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute… that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18,19).
As you reflect on Solomon’s stupendous wealth, do well to heed Christ’s warning not to lay up treasures for yourself on earth but in heaven. Treasures laid up on earth are transient, insecure, and distracting. Consider also what Jesus said: even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like the lilies (Matthew 6:29). What an ironic and sobering thought on the actual value of earthly wealth.
If, peradventure, you are tempted to spend your life pursuing wealth and luxury, remember that Solomon left all his riches behind when he died. Therefore, be wise and rich toward God.
Thought for the day
Those who invest in eternal treasures earn dividends in time and eternity.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
