1 Kings 10 -- Just What Kind Of Wisdom DID Solomon Have?

The whole episode with the Queen of Sheba (an Arab) visiting Solomon (a Jew) seemed to be mainly about swapping possessions.  She did learn about his wisdom and saw how richly God had materially blessed him, and yes, she brought him 4.5 tons of gold, but he also gave her whatever she asked for.  

Solomon's servants lived with this every day, and my commentary said, "Hearing Solomon's words may have excited the dinner guests, but the officers and servants had heard it before.  One of the dangers of living in that kind of situation is that we begin to take things for granted, and before long we don't value them at all.  This can apply to spiritual treasures as well as material wealth."

"The commercial network that Solomon established certainly helped the economy ... but did it help the king and his people draw near to God?  Israel wasn't supposed to be isolated from the community of nations, because she was to be a light to the Gentiles, but she was supposed to be separated from the sins of those nations that didn't know the true and living God.  Along with the influx of foreign merchandise came the influx of foreign ideas, including ideas about religion and worship; and eventually Solomon himself, influenced by his foreign wives, succumbed to idolatry."

"When God promised to give Solomon wisdom, He also promised him riches and honor... It isn't a sin to possess wealth or to inherit wealth ... Earning money honestly isn't a sin, but loving money and living just to acquire riches is a sin."  Solomon covered everything he owned with gold, acquired thousands of horses and chariots from Egypt, and had hundreds of wives and concubines -- all directly against the express orders God had given for kings of Israel in Deuteronomy 17:14-20.  Solomon had been required to write out his own copy of the law, so he knew this, but did it anyway.

"David had prophets and priests who advised him and even warned and rebuked him, but nobody seems to have admonished Solomon to pay more attention to making a life instead of amassing a fortune."

Father, guide me to use the blessings You give me as You would see fit.  I don't want to end up like Solomon, making unwise decisions that pull me away from you.  I need You to guide me and give me eternal wisdom.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford