When God says, “No other gods,” what does he include? Solomon’s gods included wealth, entertainment, sex, power, and even God’s gift of wisdom. He enjoyed being the smartest man in the room. He apparently thought he was smarter than God. Whereas his father was a God and God Alone leader, Solomon was a God and other gods leader. 

This did not end well. First Kings 11 is one of the saddest chapters in the Bible. First Kings 10 begins well, but then takes an unwholesome turn as the Queen of Sheba and all her attendants began their trip home. As impressive as everything was to the Queen of Sheba in verses 1-13, Solomon apparently thought they were not quite as impressive as they could be. 

He made a decisive shift from significant wisdom and wealth into extravagance in all things. He very nearly had it all. Then, just as it turns out in our day, it had him. Richest man in the world? Smartest man in the world? Got it. And so, so much more. 

Extravagance cost him almost everything. It still demands too high a price. 

I wonder if the Apostle Paul had Solomon in mind when he wrote to his protege Timothy:

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content,” (1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬).

The greatest gain is not in what we horde but in how we use what God gives us to serve others in a manner that honors him and builds up those others. 

How has God enriched your life? How are you using those gifts to edify others?

Jesus said, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” (Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬).

What will you give as freely as you have received?

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I will live a life of extravagant generosity.

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Our Father, you have enriched each of us with something. Show us how to invest those good things into the lives of others so they may know your goodness, kindness, and generous benevolence. Empower us to live with open hands to freely receive and freely give. Amen.