Solomon
June 2
1 Kings 4:20-34
Solomon prospers
During the reign of King Solomon, there was peace throughout Judah and Israel. Solomon had thousands and thousands of horses and many servants, and his twelve governors supplied him with the best food.
The Lord gave Solomon unusual wisdom and understanding. He knew so much that it was almost impossible to test the limits of his knowledge. He wrote three thousand proverbs and over a thousand songs. He knew all there was to know about plants and trees, and about animals, birds, reptiles and fish.
Solomon ruled over a very large country, and the kings ruling in nearby countries had to pay taxes to him.
Will God also bless me with wealth if I follow Him?
The Bible gives many examples of how God blessed those who honored Him. In Old Testament times, God often blessed people with wealth. He also blessed people by giving them many children and allowing them to live a long life. Can you think of some men in the Old Testament who were very wealthy? Here is a clue: Their names start with A and J.
Jesus said that we should not only think about getting treasure (wealth) here on earth where thieves can steal it, and where moths and rust will destroy it. We should rather store up treasure in Heaven—where it is kept safe for us to enjoy when we get there.
God blesses us in so many ways—not only by giving us things on earth (that don’t last anyway). He is going to give us a share of all His riches (Romans 8:16-17). And He not only gives us long life on earth, but eternal life so that we can enjoy all those treasures for ever and ever.
But for now, we have a sign of God’s promise: the Holy Spirit who lives in us. The Spirit gives us peace and joy so that we can be truly happy now, and for all eternity!
Verse for today
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16
