His Reputation

 DEVOTION

1^ST KINGS

HIS REPUTATION

1 Kings 4:26-34

26 Solomon had four thousand stalls for chariot horses, and twelve thousand horses.   27 The district officers, each in his month, supplied provisions for King Solomon and all who came to the king's table. They saw to it that nothing was lacking. 28 They also brought to the proper place their quotas of barley and straw for the chariot horses and the other horses. 29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite — wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

NIV

Solomon also became the wealthiest king in all Israel, as the LORD had promised him. No one was ever like Solomon, and there would never be anyone like him. Just to consider the number of horses is staggering. The amount of barley and straw and men to tend to that number of horses is more than we can imagine. Yet, when we consider the size of most modern governments, the need for funds to feed and house all the people employed is staggering. However, the story here is about the vast amount of wisdom God gave to Solomon. He was given more wisdom than any man who had ever been considered to be wise. His wisdom was greater than that of any other man. He spoke three thousand proverbs and described many plants and taught about animals and birds, reptiles, and fish. He did not have the wisdom of men, but from God. There is not a person who ever lived, or will ever live, who will have that amount of wisdom that Solomon had, in accordance with what God told him. However, we have already dealt with the fact that we are told if we lack wisdom, we are to ask the Lord, and he will give generously without finding fault. Still, that means we do not have to live in the darkness of human thought or understanding. First, we have the complete word of God, as his word lacks nothing, and thus nothing can be added to it. His word contains God’s wisdom, and he has given us the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all the truth of God’s word, which is the ultimate definition of wisdom. Although Solomon’s reputation spread all over many nations, we also know that Solomon was not flawless, as he was still a man. We know from the end of his story, he did not live in accordance with the wisdom of God. We will get to all that, but for now, let us consider that we can ask God, and he will give us that understanding of his truths through the working of the Holy Spirit within us. However, let us also remember to remain humble or contrite in spirit, for who are we, O Sovereign Lord, that you have even taken us this far, both in understanding and in stature. Who are we that you have called upon us to do what you have asked of us? You, O Lord, are more generous to us than we deserve, yet we praise you and thank you for all you have done for us, in us, and are doing through us. Continue to guide our steps, and inspire our minds and spirits to see and understand you and your wonderful truths. Thank you, Lord, for the wisdom and understanding you have given to us. Although our only reputation is being your servants, friends, and children, that is more than enough. Yet we are also called upon to reflect your reputation or your glory,  yet no one is ever close to your reputation.