1 Kings 3:1-15
Today's Passage: 1 Kings 3:1-15
The Lord honors humility. Humility should be a mark of a Christian life. Solomon clearly displays humility in this passage. He could’ve asked for anything (v. 5), and instead of asking for selfish things, he asked for wisdom on how to lead Israel better. God honored his request (v. 10-13), but gave it a contingency (v. 14 - And if you will walk in my ways… I will lengthen your days).
Throughout Scripture, we can see how God honors humility and it marks a Christian life.
But what I find so interesting in this passage is the decision Solomon made before asking for wisdom. Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharoah – meaning he was going to marry Pharoah’s daughter. It doesn’t say in the text if Solomon consulted the Lord or anything. But this decision was damaging to Solomon. Look at what 1 Kings 11:1-2 says:
Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.
This goes to show that every decision we make matters. And no decision is too great or small to take to God first.
The Lord honors humility. Humility should be a mark of a Christian life. Solomon clearly displays humility in this passage. He could’ve asked for anything (v. 5), and instead of asking for selfish things, he asked for wisdom on how to lead Israel better. God honored his request (v. 10-13), but gave it a contingency (v. 14 - And if you will walk in my ways… I will lengthen your days).
Throughout Scripture, we can see how God honors humility and it marks a Christian life.
- But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6
- When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
- Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
But what I find so interesting in this passage is the decision Solomon made before asking for wisdom. Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharoah – meaning he was going to marry Pharoah’s daughter. It doesn’t say in the text if Solomon consulted the Lord or anything. But this decision was damaging to Solomon. Look at what 1 Kings 11:1-2 says:
Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.
This goes to show that every decision we make matters. And no decision is too great or small to take to God first.
- Are there areas you need to grow in humility?
- What decisions are you trying to make/control that you need to give to God?
Written By: Brice Stockton
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