June 21 - 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9: Solomon's World-Famous Wisdom and Foreign-God-Serving Wives

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading brings us to the end of Solomon's life. Unfortunately, his life does not end as well as his father's.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Riches did not corrupt Solomon's values. Foreign women who worshiped other gods did.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon. He exceeded her expectations.
Solomon received massive amounts of gifts from the kings who flocked to Jerusalem.
Solomon obsessed over women. He married 700 and had 1000 concubines. He married from the people God warned Israel against. They eroded his faithfulness and he erected shrines to their gods.
God informed Solomon that David's promise kept him on his throne; however, Solomon's son would be the king of only one tribe.
God informed Jeroboam that he would reign over 10 tribes. Solomon's assassination attempt failed.
Solomon reigned in Israel 40 years and died.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God gave Solomon everything he could possibly imagine.

God came to Solomon and allowed his request for wisdom. Because Solomon asked for wisdom and not lesser blessings God granted him all of the other blessings. He became the richest, most respected, and wisest king. Silver was considered gravel it was so common. Kings flocked to Jerusalem not to overtake it but to sit at his table and learn. When God's People learn God's precepts, the entire world will want to sit and learn.

Solomon's downfall came because of foreign women, not riches.

Solomon ignored God's warnings not to marry the people who originally lived in the land of Canaan. God was very specific not to "marry your sons to their women, women who take up with any convenient god or goddess and will get your sons to do the same thing" (Exodus 34:16, The Message). This happened in Israel's early history and they were punished. The problem was not the number of women Solomon married. The problem was his choice of women. God's Chosen People should not marry people who are not converted to God setting all things right.
Let me reiterate what I wrote earlier in the year. The story of Solomon does not focus on your local congregation, denomination, or religion. Solomon's story warns against people who are not willing to join God setting all things right. They join with any group. I think Solomon built these shrines because he wanted to please his wives, not because he was convinced these gods were more powerful than God. Yet because he did this God took the kingdom from his sons and gave 10 tribes to Jeroboam.

What do you think of Solomon's life?

June 20 - Ecclesiastes 7-12: Solomon Says Live It Up!

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-12

The Message

English Standard Version

Ecclesiastes, book 14, is finished today. Enjoy!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Solomon encourages a balanced life in every way.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

A good reputation exemplifies a life worth emulating. Don't pine for the past.
Fear God and deal with all reality.
Full wisdom would drown humans. We mess everything up.
Obey your orders. No one can control everything.
Everyone dies but only the righteous have a full life.
God rejoices with our rejoicing. So make the most of life!
Young people, go for it! However, all intentions are judged by God, so develop a habit of honoring God. Everything else is vanishing smoke.
In the end, there is no better advice than this: fear God and do what He says.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Ecclesiastes presents a hard truth: the benefits of being good are not always evident.

Wisdom is a wonderful addition to a character. However, human wisdom cannot make sense of all things. Solomon, the wisest man of his time, could not answer some of the hardest questions we wrestle with today. For example, why do bad things happen to good people? Solomon's answer is disconcerting—it is unknown, so best not to devote yourself to becoming good or evil. Enjoy life without obsessing over "good" vs. "evil." Remember that all actions will eventually come to light and you will be judged based on your intentions. If you wish for everyone to know what you are doing, do it. If not, don't. However, everyone dies in the end. Being good doesn't give extra life or an easier life. It only gives an inner-peaceful life.

God takes pleasure in our pleasure.

Christians sometimes get a bad reputation (unearned mostly) of being sticks in the mud. Certainly this was true in our Puritan past; however, scripture does not suggest it and Christians now have mostly left that idea behind. Solomon clearly pushes us to live life to the fullest! Take pleasure in life! Each day is God's gift!

Young people should be encouraged to develop a habit of both praise to God and pleasure in life.

One of the main reasons many young people do not see a need for a community of Christians is because they think God takes away pleasure. I don't mean what would be destructive acts, either. Not all young people want to destroy themselves with drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, etc. Solomon encourages young people to both enjoy the pleasures of life and honor God. Be impulsive! Pursue that crazy dream! Remember, though, everything is vanishing smoke and everyone's intent must answer to God. When we read all of scripture we understand that life is not so serious that any mistake is the same as a sin.

Too much study will wear you out.

This is easy to comprehend for a student. It is also strange coming from the person who wrote most of Proverbs and has written over five thousand words in this book alone. Too much theoretical study will make a person useless in life. Go get practical knowledge! To summarize his entire book Solomon writes, "Fear God. / Do what he tells you" (12:13, The Message). Other books and/or self-help gurus make happiness sound too complicated. It will all work out for those who want to set things right with God.

Are you enjoying life or trying to live "the godly, chaste life?"

June 19 - Ecclesiastes 1-6: Solomon Chases Smoke

Today’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-6

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading is the first half of Ecclesiastes, the writings of Solomon about the meaning of life. I'll discuss more about the book in the comments below. We will finish the book tomorrow.

There is now a donation button on the right side of the blog. It goes through PayPal. If you enjoy reading these posts and would like to contribute I would appreciate it. There's no obligation and I won't beat you over the head with requests (I may not mention it again). Thanks and enjoy today's reading!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Whether you exert yourself in life or not the end is the same—death.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

These are the words of Solomon, who's been around the block.
Life is vanishing smoke.
Nature is a broken record.
Striving to be happy is chasing smoke.
I became the wisest around. Chased smoke.
I tried pleasure. Chased smoke.
Life became meaningless. People who are wise, hard working, successful, and rich chase smoke. Only God ultimately directs life.
There is a time for everything. So what?
Animals and man—both die.
Hard work without enjoyment—chasing smoke.
Injustice will never end. Only God's earth works every time.
Eat, drink, and make the most of your work—that's God's ideal life.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The book of Ecclesiastes is a book of warning against taking life too serious.

"Smoke, nothing but smoke. … / There's nothing to anything—it's all smoke" (1:2, The Message). Solomon is warning everyone not to spend their entire lives focused on the wrong thing. Everything on the earth happens the same way every year. Nothing humans do can change it. Human "accomplishments" are silly. Right now the NBA is crowning a champion. Why get excited? Next year they'll give another one. The lack of meaning in life can lead a person to despair. However, Solomon's purpose is not to take away all meaning of life, Solomon warns that people miss the forest of a godly life for the trees of life seemingly independent of God.

God's earth provides the greatest contrast to the smallness of human accomplishment.

Humans have been through several great ages of development. The past 20 years has seen more innovation than the previous 100. What do we have to show for it: great technology, great healthcare, and discontent? We are waking up to find that all we have accomplished is changing the definition of "busy" as we go toward the grave—from spending all of our time trying to survive to spending all of our time trying to live. On the other hand, Earth continues to go around the sun. The seasons change exactly as they have for centuries. Animals give birth and die in the same ways they did before. Earth still "works" in the same way it has for centuries before us and will for centuries to come. Human's greatest accomplishments pale in comparison to God's average accomplishment—a working world.

Injustice will never end because humans will never be as faithful and honest as the earth.

I chaff when I hear groups spout platitudes about ending hunger, poverty, and the injustice flavor of the month: bullying, human trafficking, global warming, etc. I sneer at their suggestion that a group of people (mostly middle class Americans and Europeans) can change the hearts of every person in the world. They will never be able to "end" hatred in people's hearts, the source of injustice and violence. Our teachings may be great, our practices sound, and our aim high; but in the end only God can set things right on this earth. I support any and all attempts to broker peace between groups. I do not support ideas that humans can completely end injustice independent of or with God limited to a supporting role.

Wisdom, pleasure, hard work, successful careers, and/or riches are meaningless independent from God.

Solomon tried to make a huge deal out of everything: wisdom, pleasure, hard work, success, and riches. Eventually he realized each of those things were meaningless in themselves. Only God gave ultimate meaning, since He is the only sentient being who is fully faithful. His conclusion is troublesome to the driven,

After looking at the way things are on this earth, here's what I've decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that's about it. That's the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in the work. It's God's gift! (5:18-19, The Message)

The disciplined, wise person and the foolish, pleasure-seeker both end up dead and forgotten. Hard working, honest, successful businesspeople and their employees die and give other people their money/businesses just like dishonest, lazy people. Rich people and poor people end with exactly the same thing—nothing. Balance hard work and good pleasure. Both are needed to enjoy a godly life.

What do you make a big deal over?

June 18 - Proverbs 27-29: The End of Solomon's Proverbs

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 27-29

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The heart directs all other actions. Good hearts lead to good lives.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Allow others to draw attention to you.
Friendship restores the soul in times of trouble.
Nagging spouses are worse than leaky faucets.
Tests of the heart prove a person's true nature.
A good leader can straighten out a nation—and will be well respected and rewarded in return.
Practicing God's Law leads to wisdom.
God does not listen to one-sided prayers.
Mercy for sins is only found in confession, not in secrecy.
Sage advice can quiet an entire town.
Discipline for children works in their favor and in yours.
Don't help criminals.
Good and evil people will never get along.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Expressions of true feelings are better than silence, even when they aren't encouraging.

Two proverbs back-to-back mention this idea. The first is that a reprimand is better than silence. The second contrasts a wound from a lover to the kisses of an enemy. When a person's true emotions are expressed you learn more about the person. When someone hears no answer from what they do the feel ignored, uncared for, and unable to please. They feel better knowing you did not like what they did than not knowing at all. It is better to reprimand or wound than leave a person not knowing you approve.

Friendship is beautiful.

Friendship has many lovely benefits. Friends refresh each other. Friends are closer than family. Friends sharpen each other. There are few things better than a good friend.

Take care of those things which bring blessings.

Solomon tells farmers and ranchers to take care of their plants and animals. In return they will be greatly blessed. To broaden the advice out, we could apply this to anything we have that brings blessings. Take care of your possessions, especially those that bless in return. Animals, people, things need care.

God has no use for one-sided prayers.

One-sided prayers are when you pray to God for blessings but either close yourself off for God to work in you or do not stop to listen to God's words spoken to you. In essence, the purpose of prayer is not so God will know what is on our hearts but prayer is for us to know what is on God's Heart by submitting our hearts to Him. This is why God has no use for our prayers when we are unwilling to submit to Him.

Sages calm situations down through quiet, reflective advice.

Cynics do not accept wisdom. Because they do not accept any wisdom, they are constantly angry. When they are constantly angry they make accusations which stir up crowds. These stirred-up crowds can cause havoc in the city. Sages, on the other hand, accept wisdom as coming from God. Because they accept wisdom based on God, they are able to have peace. When they have peace, they are able to discern truth in times of havoc. When they discern truth, everyone calms down. Don't cause havoc in your city. Be a sage.

Do you have a reputation for wisdom?

June 17 - Proverbs 25-26: Wise Leaders vs. Friendly Fools

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 25-26

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Good leadership bubbles to the top, it does not push itself up.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

These proverbs of Solomon were written down by Hezekiah:
God delights in making puzzles. Man enjoys solving them.
Good leadership separates itself from wickedness and rises honorably.
Level heads instill trustworthiness.
Words are lifesavers or hot air, depending on the source.
Friends and chocolate—moderation is the key to happy living.
Don't make deals with the Devil.
Give to your enemies.
Lack of self control creates hollow lives.
Fools deserve swift punishment—replies that set them straight without inflating their self-inflated egos.
Stay away from other people's quarrels and gossip. Beware jokers.
Enemies should not be trusted.
Evil never prospers.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Good leadership rises naturally.

The unnatural rise of a person to leadership leads to inflated egos and eventual humiliation. Good leadership, on the other hand, rises slowly through removing wickedness and a level head. Good leaders produce what they promise through patient persistence and gentle answers. Do not rush leadership development. Good leaders need time to mature.

Moderation with friends (and candy) makes for an easier life. Cheap friends (and cheap candy) make life harder.

A person too eager to please a new friend wears out their welcome quickly. Relying on others too much and not respecting their private lives/times will lead to a harder, more lonely life.
Cheap friends who gossip, cheat, and lie to get their way are not worth the pain they eventually will cause. Just like cheap candy, cheap friends will leave you feeling worse.

A fool's self-inflated ego knows no bounds. They need swift kicks in the butt to set them straight.

A fool (mentioned often in Proverbs) is a person who would not accept help even if it were offered with no strings attached. Their egos prevent any wisdom from penetrating their thick skulls. Unfortunately, they cannot go unchecked; however, the way they are held in check should not add to their grandiose self-esteem. Do not answer fools like a fool. Swift kicks in the butt (metaphorical and physical) may be the best answer they can hear.

Who are the good leaders in your life?

June 16 - 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8: Solomon Organizes His Kingdom

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would punish Solomon's descendents based on their disobedience but would bless them based on David's obedience.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God impressed upon Solomon the importance of obedience. If Solomon and/or his descendents obeyed God they would be blessed with God's presence. If they disobeyed, God would tear down Solomon's throne and His temple and send Israel into captivity.
Hiram wished for more important cities for his reward; however, he received what he received.
Pharaoh gave his daughter, the wife of Solomon, the land of Gezer. Solomon rebuilt it.
Solomon reinitiated the Canaanite-forced-labor agreement. Full-blooded Israelites manned government positions.
Solomon was greatly blessed with wealth and ships. Hiram sent sailors to help build Solomon's fleet.
Solomon continued to obey God.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God would not spare his own Temple built by the chosen king in the chosen land He gave to His Chosen People.

(Repeated from Friday's comments)
Reminiscent to Moses' words to Israel prior to entering Canaan, God presents both sides of the coin to being His Chosen People. There are great and wondrous promises—land, peace, prosperity, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. They would become an example to the nations, a testament to their god's Awesome Blessings. There are also equally great and wondrous punishments—persecution, captivity, destruction, and ruin. They would become an example to the nations, a testament to their god's Awesome Judgment. Even the Temple that Solomon built would not stand if they did not obey God. Warning: Those who take up with God will be greatly blessed. Those who later take up with other gods will be equally punished. Remember this the next time you consider choosing to be God's Chosen Person on this earth and encourage others to become a Chosen Person on this earth. It is for anyone; but it is not for everyone.

Solomon was greatly blessed because he continued to sacrifice to God.

Sometimes I wonder "how righteous" the people in the Old Testament were. If you grew up in a church you may feel that these men and women were such "superheroes of faith" that we could never match their intensity, dedication, and ability to set things right. Fortunately, scripture does not present these people as "inventors of good" (to turn Paul's phrase on its head). Solomon, the son of the man after God's own heart, was greatly blessed because he "kept to the regular schedule of worship set down by Moses" and "followed the practice of his father David in setting up groups of priests carrying out the work of worship" (2 Chronicles 8:13-14, The Message). If you want to be righteous and do not know where to start, begin with what has been passed down through scripture and your tradition. By doing this you will see ways to mature and add to your worship ways to set things right.

Are you keeping what has been passed down through scripture and tradition?

June 14 - 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136: The Hesed of the Lord Never Quits!

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading from 2 Chronicles mirrors almost exactly the reading from yesterday. Because of that I will summarize and comment only on what was added at the end of chapter seven.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Hesed of God never fails!

Summary in 100 Words or Less

After Solomon dedicated the Temple to the Honor of God, God appeared to Solomon and accepted his prayer. He promised to stop any plague in Israel if they would only return to Him and pray. God's name would be stamped on the Temple forever; however, that would not prevent God from destroying His own Temple stone by stone if they would not listen to Him. This also applied to David's promise—if Solomon's sons obeyed God they would stay on the throne. Disobedience meant destruction. God would use them as an example to the nations, this time as a warning.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 136

This call-and-answer psalm praises God, the real god in a sea of fake gods, who created everything and took care of His Chosen People. The psalmist ends by reminding the responders how God took care of Israel when they were down and in need. The response after each line is exactly the same each time: "His Hesed (lovingkindness) never quits!"

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God would not spare his own Temple built by the chosen king in the chosen land He gave to His Chosen People.

Reminiscent to Moses' words to Israel prior to entering Canaan, God presents both sides of the coin to being His Chosen People. There are great and wondrous promises—land, peace, prosperity, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. They would become an example to the nations, a testament to their god's Awesome Blessings. There are also equally great and wondrous punishments—persecution, captivity, destruction, and ruin. They would become an example to the nations, a testament to their god's Awesome Judgment. Even the Temple that Solomon built would not stand if they did not obey God. Warning: Those who take up with God will be greatly blessed. Those who later take up with other gods will be equally punished. Remember this the next time you consider choosing to be God's Chosen Person on this earth and warn others before becoming a Chosen Person on this earth. It is for anyone; but it is not for everyone.

God's Hesed Endures Forever!

This word has many translations. In the New American Standard Bible it has 19 different renderings! Unfortunately, the richness of this word is completely lost and often flattened to the highly-overused word "love." We could be grateful, since we would not like to read or repeat "For His devout, faithful, good, kind, loyal, merciful, righteous, and unchanging love endures forever." Yet that is what is being presented here. God's [insert wonderful, amazing and long list of exclamations of greatness] never quits! That is also something to weigh before becoming a Chosen Person of God.

Have you decided to become a Chosen Person of God?

June 13 - 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5: The Pinnacle of Ancient Israel: the Dedication of the Temple

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

This could possibly be the peak for the Israelites as a culture and a nation.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple with multitudes of sacrifices.
God entered the Temple, ending all other work by the priests.
Solomon blessed God for his peaceful kingdom. He prayed:
"God, keeper of all promises if we obey, are You really moving into our neighborhood? Stay forever!
"We will sin. You will punish us with plagues, drought, and captivity. When we return our hearts, return our land. Foreigners, attracted by your majesty and grace, will turn their hearts and prayers to You. Hear their cry, too!"
Solomon charged Israel with these words and sent them home.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Obedience (not perfection) unlocks God's promises and returns God's favor.

Solomon makes this clear when he mentions David's promise, "You'll always have a descendant to represent my rule on Israel's throne, on the condition that your sons are as careful to live obediently in my presence as you have" (1 Kings 8:25, The Message), and in his prayer to God for the removal of punishments,

then they pray at this place, acknowledging your rule and quitting their sins because you have scourged them, listen from your home in heaven, forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Then start over with them: Train them to live right and well. (8:35-36)

Solomon understood that God would punish His Chosen People. But punishment would not be the final word! If Israel learned from their mistakes and tried to follow God again, Solomon called on God to save and return Israel to their land. Obedience brings God's blessings into fruition. If you are being punished, obedience and a contrite heart will restore God's blessings.

God's reputation attracts foreigners.

In his dedication prayer, Solomon specifically mentions the foreigner who "has come from a far country because of your reputation" (8:41). Solomon wants God to bless the foreigner, too, because God blesses anyone and doesn't differentiate between the Chosen and the non-Chosen. The entire world praises Him because of His mighty works!
What does this mean for churches today? At first it seems to be obvious—God blesses anyone who prays to Him, regardless of their "Chosen" status. Although this may seem easy to comprehend the implications of it are difficult for Christians. Christians do not hold a monopoly on God's blessings. We have spent so much time focusing on what Solomon said about Israel that we forget to read the section on foreigners. God's name is famous around the world because of His wondrous works. Anyone who wishes to set things right on this earth does so with His help, even if they do not acknowledge it openly.

Are you bringing God's blessings into fruition?

June 12 - 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4: Solomon Finishes God's House, Builds His Own

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading also has a lot of technical details. However, I do not want you to miss these, since they include the details of how the Temple of God was built by Solomon. If you get bogged down in the detail remember there will not be a test at the end of the reading.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

No expenses were withheld—Solomon made the Temple for God a wonder to behold.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon continued building: a judgment hall lined with cedars, magnificent houses for his wife (Pharaoh's daughter) and himself. Each one spared no expense in the smallest detail. These buildings took 13 years to finish.
Solomon sent for Hiram (the Israelite, not the king of Tyre) to produce bronze furnishings for the Temple. They created several large items out of bronze to support the Temple's weight and to put inside. They made so many utensils from bronze they could not weigh them properly to ascertain the exact value. This finished the construction of God's Temple.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Solomon spared no expense to build his houses.

God blessed Solomon greater than any of his predecessors. Solomon uses this wealth both to build a Temple to honor God and build houses for himself and his wife, Pharaoh's daughter. When God blesses you greatly, after you bless God you can live in luxury, too! All luxurious living is not righteous living; all righteous people do not live in poverty. Neither extreme is correct. If we received our riches honestly and honor God first, luxury can be a blessing from God.

What do you think of Solomon's homes and the Temple?

June 11 - 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3: Solomon Builds a Temple in Honor of God

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading has a lot of technical details. However, I do not want you to miss these, since they include the details of how the Temple of God was built by Solomon. If you get bogged down in the details remember there will not be a test at the end of the post.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God would reside with the Israelites if they obeyed Him, not if they built Him a lavish house.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon enjoyed peace.
He sent letters to Hiram, king of Tyre, requesting materials and skilled labor to build a magnificent temple to honor God, since God is magnificent. Hiram praised Solomon for his wisdom and sent the needed materials along with Huram-Abi, a highly-skilled man, to supervise. Solomon sent grain and olive oil to Hiram as payment.
Thousands of Israelites readied raw materials. The materials were cut to spec offsite to reverence the site. The work took seven years.
During construction God came to Solomon and gave a covenant that if Israel obeyed God He would live with them.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Temple honored God's name because God's name is greater than all other gods.

This distinction is important for that time period. Temples were meant to be places where the gods literally lived; however, the Temple Solomon built was meant to honor God or be in God's name. Solomon is adamant about this:

The house I am building has to be the best, for our God is the best, far better than competing gods. But who is capable of building such a structure? Why, the skies - the entire cosmos! - can't begin to contain him. And me, who am I to think I can build a house adequate for God - burning incense to him is about all I'm good for! (2 Chronicles 2:5-6, The Message)

He understood the enormity of his task and asked for Hiram's help. Hiram previously helped David build his house, so Solomon calls on their old family friend to help. God deserved a place to honor His Name because God is greater than all other gods!

Hiram, a non-Israelite, honored God because Solomon honored God.

We have seen non-Israelites honor God in the past. Hiram saw Solomon's wisdom and knew the source—the God of Israel. His reply summarized in 2 Chronicles 2:11, "It's plain that God loves his people - he made you king over them!" provides an excellent example of how people who are not God's Chosen People can understand and honor God when His Chosen People honor Him. When God's Chosen People honor God the whole world will notice.

The importance of the Temple was not its structure but its symbolism.

God comes to Solomon and tells him that the importance of the Temple did not lie in its existence, beauty, or intricate design. The importance of the Temple was the sign that God lived with His Chosen People when they obeyed Him. A temple without obedience would be no help to Israel (as we will see in the months ahead). God would reside with Israel because they loved Him, not because they built a lavish house for Him.
Our temple today, our bodies, should also mirror that sentiment. If we set things right on this earth God will resides in our temples, our bodies. God will not reside with us if our bodies are not used to set things right, no matter how beautiful, strong, or adorned it may be.

Do you set things right on the earth with your temple?

June 10 - Proverbs 22-24: Solomon's Thirty Precepts

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 22-24

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading ends the concentrated Proverbs reading. We will pick up with Proverbs in a week to read the last of Solomon's section.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

A lazy man eventually ends up poor.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God made both the rich and the poor.
The poor will be ruled by their creditors.
Generous people are blessed because they give to the poor.
Solomon gave thirty principles on treating the poor, anger, gambling, changing boundaries, excelling at work, good impressions on influential people, getting rich, stingy people, helping fools, cheating orphans, spanking children, respecting parents, envying rebels and bad people, the effects of drinking, whores, building a house, wisdom vs. strength, wise conversations, evil reputations, staying strong, rescuing the perishing, eating wisdom, hurting godly people, laughing at plight, avoiding braggarts, and fearing God.
Naps lead to poverty.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The rich and the poor are equally made by God.

Solomon has encouraged both the rich and (today) the poor to develop a listening relationship. He warned the rich that riches gained with shady practices are no help. He warned the poor that their bad habits bring on their poverty and servitude. He tells the rich to help the poor and not crush them because they can. Neither the rich nor the poor can laud over the other. They are all equal in God.

The lazy use danger to excuse work to their demise.

Solomon mentions laziness twice in this section. The first is a lazy person terrified of a theoretical lion that could eat him if he went into the fields. The second is the result of these excuses—an overgrown field. Lions did live in Israel. However, the likelihood that a lion would attack while working would be very low (or this proverb would be callous). The lazy person, however, does not allow logic to get in the way of a good day's rest. Fear causes excuses which cause poverty.
Today, we may not fear lions, and tigers, and bears (oh, my!) in the streets, but we do allow fear to prevent us from getting into the lives of others, especially those who may have checkered pasts or may live dodgy lives. We may also allow fear to prevent us from applying ourselves to our jobs and therefore limit the amount of blessings we receive. Do not give in to fear—it will lead to poverty.

People who excel at their work will be highly rewarded.

In a jaded age where we question success, Solomon calls us to remember that successful people are not born overnight. They hone their craft and develop a reputation of success. This reputation helps them become successful. Those who excel at their work will always be in demand.

Disciplining children help them become wise.

There is a thriving debate over whether spanking helps or harms children. To give some perspective on this advice, Solomon has seen three of his half-brothers do terrible things. These terrible events happened because their father was unwilling to correct them. So Solomon's suggestion that "a spanking won't kill them" (23:14, The Message) comes from what he has seen. Discipline your children. If it requires spanking, spank. If it doesn't, don’t. Do not think of this as either a blanket cure-all or a barbarous, antiquated suggestion.

Excuses to not help the perishing are not valid.

I will openly admit I'm a libertarian (with a little "l"). When I read this I recoiled in pain. I know many libertarians (big or small "l") who would disagree with this proverb. However, I would like to put this into context. Solomon has often encouraged not helping a fool because a fool will turn against and fight you. This is a very simple and clear standard: fool = those who fight help, therefore do not help. So I doubt Solomon is contradicting himself here. I believe he is repeating what he wrote a few chapters back that if we have the means we should help someone. If a person is dying, would receive help, and we can help them we are under obligation to help them because of their advocate, not their humanity. Individualism aside, we must help those who in need when we can.

What are your thoughts on the "Thirty Precepts?"

June 9 - Proverbs 19-21: Riches Gained Honestly Help the Poor

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 19-21

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God examines our inner reasons behind our outer actions.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Wealth is a great help, but only if acquired honestly. Poor people wrongly blame God for their poverty.
Wealth is passed on by parents but a good wife comes from God alone.
Mercy given to the poor is a loan to God. God never defaults.
Too much alcohol is not fun.
Leaders should have a keen eye for shoddy work.
Develop a plan with wise people as your guides.
God will settle scores.
God hates when customers cheat or are cheated.
Clean living is better than religious piety.
Hope for good. Prepare for the worst. Trust God to bring victory.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Riches are a great help—if they are acquired honestly.

Everyone wants to be rich. But lately there is a famous saying going around, "more money, more problems." Solomon would write it differently, "more money gained unjustly, more problems." Riches can be helpful to supply needs, gain friends, and help the poor. What dictates whether riches help or hurt is in the attitude for gaining riches. Riches gained with humility are blessings from God. Riches gained from dishonesty or boasting cause great problems. It is better to be poor than be a liar. However, having riches also gives the opportunity and the resources to help the poor. Riches are God's way of telling you it is time to help others.

Allow angry fools to be trapped on their own.

The problem with helping fools with their anger is that they neither want help nor will accept it when it arrives. They will eventually get angry with you and nothing will be accomplished. It is much better to let them to learn on their own through their own mistakes. Love angry, quick-tempered fools by allowing them to fall on their own.

Do not cheat in the marketplace.

This idea is repeated twice in the same chapter. Solomon wants people to understand—wrong practices which hurt customers or business owners are rejected by God. There are no they-can-afford-it excuses. Wrong practices are always wrong.

Those who search for goodness and life find both!

God is found where goodness and life intersect. If you want to find God, search there.

Do you live an honest life?

June 8 - Proverbs 16-18: Truth Lies on Both Sides

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16-18

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading begins the unfocused section of Proverbs, meaning each two lines may seem completely unrelated. Therefore, the summaries from here on out will consist of proverbs that stand out to me instead of a true "summary" of what is included in the texts.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Real truth lies under the surface.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Humans make plans and see the surface only. God's plans are truly good. God has a purpose for everything, even the wicked.
Good leaders bring out the best in their followers by showing them the right way through honesty, seriousness, and gracious speech.
A small amount with peace is better than bounty with fighting.
Generations take pride in each other.
Friends overlook wrongs and stay closer than family.
Talk is cheap; silence makes a fool seem wise.
Selfish loners destroy communities.
Fools choke on their words.
God's Name protects those who humbly submit.
Favors win friends.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

When God is in charge of your plans they come true.

The main idea of the first section is that God can see deeper than people and therefore His plans will always come to fruition. If you want to be successful, begin your plans with God.

Good leaders model godliness.

Followers will do whatever their leaders do. If their leaders do not base their plans on God then followers will not base their plans on God. If leaders lie, cheat, and steal from others their followers will also lie, cheat, and steal from others. If good leaders promote good, truthful advisors, the entire company promotes truth. Leaders, model what you want your followers to do.

Mocking poor people insults God.

Solomon has not given poor people a pass. He has discussed how bad decisions and acts that are not according to God's Way lead people to being poor; however, mocking poor people does not honor God. Solomon understands the causes of poverty and the tragedies it causes. This is why gloating over misfortune is taken seriously. The poor may be poor because of their own doing, but gloating over misfortune only brings reproach on your own head.

Unwise children lead to pain for their parents.

Scattered throughout this section and several sections before is the call to listen and obey parents or shame will come upon them. This is written for both sides—parents should make sure to give their children wise advice and children should listen and obey their wise advice. Solomon does not put the onus on one side or the other. They must both share in setting things right.

Both sides are important in a dispute.

One part of our political system that I find annoying is the constant attempt to silence the other side through filibustering the entire debate time or demonizing the other. Both sides are important to any dispute and should be given a chance to both speak and listen. Businesses should listen to governments and non-profits. Governments and non-profits should listen to businesses. Poor people should listen to rich people. Rich people should listen to poor people. Religious people should listen to non-religious people. Non-religious people should listen to religious people. Parents should listen to children. Children should listen to parents. When we begin by marginalizing one side we end up with one-sided justice—which is no justice at all.

Do you take into account both sides?

June 7 - Proverbs 13-15: The Way of the Wise

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 13-15

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Wise people listen to wise people. Fools listen to daytime television.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Intelligent children develop good conversation skills. They hate false talk and converse in substantial topics. They listen and honor God's Commands. They embrace correction and walk with the wise.
Wise people take care of their mouths and animals. They stay on God's life-track.
Wise people discern truth and cautiously walk forward. They help neighbors and acquire wisdom.
Righteousness can make an entire nation strong but wickedness hurts anyone.
Gentle responses and kind words soothe.
God sees all.
Good advice spreads knowledge.
Intelligent people love being told new truths.
Simple lives with God are better than the high life with evil.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Wise people welcome wisdom.

Wisdom remains central to the proverbs of Solomon. He mentions this several times: the wise listen to parents, acquire the ability to converse in substantial topics, enjoy correction, and listen to any other wise person. To be wise we must welcome and enjoy listening to those who are wise. If we speak with dullards or read/watch/listen to stories that have little knowledge or wisdom we will eventually become the same. It is best to avoid these types of media/people as much as possible. Cynics cannot accept any form of wisdom—avoid them as well.

Righteousness can lift an entire nation.

Solomon is using the compare-and-contrast method of teaching. He compares the outcome of the righteous to the outcome of the wicked in many different ways. In this case he shows that if right and wrong were ships, righteousness could buoy an entire nation while wickedness could not lift a single person. For this reason individuals, communities, and full nations should invite Lady Wisdom into their homes to help their families, communities, and nations walk in wise ways. Righteousness can lift every person equally. Wickedness can lift no one.

God cannot stand religious theater but loves genuine conversation.

David mentioned a similar idea in Psalm 31. If God cares more for the why of religion instead of the what, religious theater means little. What is significant to Him is connection. This is why true conversation means more to God than anything associated with "religion." God wants you to connect with Him through prayer, not perform the "right" set of rituals.

A simple life with God is better than a flashy life with sin.

George Sanders, the voice of Shere Khan in The Jungle Book, was a talented actor who was good. I remember his captivating performance in All About Eve. I wanted to learn more about him. Unfortunately, what I learned did not impress me. He had no respect for people, especially women. He confessed to being rude and hateful. In April 1972 he committed suicide and his wrote in his suicide note, "Dear World, I am leaving because I am bored. I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool. Good luck." I have never heard of a person coming to the later years of his life and believing God's life was not worth it.

To whom do you listen?

June 6 - Proverbs 10-12: Solomon's Proverbs - The Consequences of Righteousness

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 10-12

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The smallest part of righteousness is appreciated. The smallest part of wickedness is scorned.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God blesses wisdom, honesty, diligence, and hard work.
The wise discipline their tongues.
God's blessings make a rich life.
The worse nightmares of the wicked come true—they are destroyed, but the desires of good people come true.
God loves fair businesses with down-to-earth, honest people. Principled lives help people save more than money.
Entire villages enjoy having good people. They cheer when bad people suffer.
God knows the difference between good and bad people. Each to their own consequences.
Learn God's discipline and be corrected.
Wise people are mindful of their speech. Worry and laziness lead to trouble.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God blesses the righteous with money and more.

It is currently chic to look down on successful people or businesses as somehow benefiting from an unrighteous system. Also, to save money is a problem because that money could be used to help the ailing economy. The truth is success is more nuanced than that. According to Solomon, God blesses those with hard-working, honest lives and also those who run honest, upright businesses. At the same time, money is neither the benchmark for success nor the goal of a righteous life. It is the byproduct of righteousness. First develop an honest, diligent work ethic and God will bless you with physical blessings. The second without the first leads to a terrible downfall.

God gives direction and insurance.

Solomon summarizes the interpersonal results of righteousness, "When it goes well for good people, the whole town cheers; / when it goes badly for bad people, the town celebrates. " (11:10, The Message). The insurance and help righteous people get is not directly from God. It comes from their neighbors. Good people have the world on their side when bad things happen. Great illustrations of this principle are found when a natural disaster strikes a community. Those who have a reputation for righteousness are gladly helped. Those who do not are helped begrudgingly.

God gives consequences according to our work.

Those who work well are rewarded with good pay. Those who scrape by in life scrape by financially. Kindness returns kindness and cruelty returns cruelty. If you wonder why people are so mean to you, first consider your actions.

Wise people discipline their tongues.

Solomon has a lot to write about in this area. Wise people keep their tongue in check. They do not spout off, pass rumors, talk too much, or flaunt their strengths. What a difficult, essential part of living a righteous life. Wise people listen discerningly and speak accordingly. That is why the wise survive.

What consequences do you see in your life?

June 5 - Proverbs 7-9: Lady Wisdom vs. Madame Whore

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 7-9

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Both Wisdom and the Seductress give advice. Only one is worth listening to.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Friend, make Wisdom and Insight your closest confidants.
The Seductress looks for senseless men walking idly. They think sleeping with her safe but instead they die painful deaths.
Wisdom preaches in the square, "Listen up, you blockheads. Want the path to life and great success? God made me before the earth so ignore my words at your own peril. You, in the streets, obey and live well."
Madame Whore also calls out, "Want the good life? It's easy; steal it! You can get away with it!" What her followers do not know, however, is that her followers end up dead.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

What is done in secret never stays secret.

It doesn’t matter how hard a person may try, the sins they commit in secret will not stay secret forever. That is the lesson of the man with an arrow in his liver. One of the main reasons is that sin always lasts longer than expected. The Seductress told the man they were safe for a month. The husband didn't come home early—the man couldn't leave. He was trapped. Beware sins that entice with the perceived cloak of secrecy. They never end up that way.

Lady Wisdom calls out to everyone to live lives that set things right.

Lady Wisdom wants the simpleminded and those who do not know how to live to listen to her. She was created long before the world and knows wisdom that no person could possibly make up. She understands that wealth is not greater than Wisdom and that the obsession for setting things right for God is true sanity. Listen to Lady Wisdom's advice—it leads to life!

Lady Wisdom is not the only one calling.

What a tragedy those who follow Madame Whore become. They believe the secret to success is stealing it from others, or stepping on everyone below to make sure they have no competition at the top. They, too, will become a skeleton in her closet. Do not listen to Madame Whore's call—it leads to death!

Who do you listen to?

June 4 - Proverbs 4-6: Investing in Wisdom and Good Women

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 4-6

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

There are things God hates. Take note.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Listen to my father's passed-down-generation-after-generation advice. Buy Wisdom and search for Understanding—it's worth the investment.
Evil people dream of evil deeds. Their road leads to darkness.
Listen, your heart is the source of life. Stay on the right path.
A seductive woman is bad news—stay far away. Stay with your own woman; it's better.
If you make a terrible mistake, rectify the situation without delay.
Work hard like the ant. Lazy people wind up poor.
God hates six things and loathes seven: arrogance, lies, innocent-murders, evil hearts, cheap thrills, truth-evading, and family-busting.
Don't commit adultery. It's deadly. Don't.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Invest in Wisdom and Understanding

One of the issues schools have today is how to help students gain a love of learning while teaching them what they need to know. Schools could teach thousands of facts, but if the student is not invested in learning they are not prepared for life. When we invest in wisdom and understanding (with our foundation set in God) our lives become beautiful. Think of the most beautiful people you know. They are most likely lifetime learners.

The road of the wicked looks like an easy bypass but is a death road.

The get-(insert here)-quick scheme always seems the best until you start doing what they suggest. Then you realize it isn’t as easy as you thought. They have either tricked you into going down the hard path or are trying to get your money/life. The "bypass" around the hard parts of life turns out to be a road of bones—dark and treacherous because of the dangerous people there.

Stay away from cheap women.

"Nothing but Sin and Bones" is the heading for this section in The Message. In reality, that is what a woman who seduces men becomes. Stay away! She only leads to tears. In reality, her love cannot satisfy as much as a woman who makes you "earn" her love. Compare the outcomes from the lovers in the Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) to the lovers of "cheap thrills woman" or the Seductress. Solomon wanted to pound this into our heads. It's repeated tomorrow as well. Stay away from cheap, seductive women. Find a woman who helps you earn her love. They're worth the investment.

Don't wait to set things right.

Solomon uses the negative side of this coin to illustrate how important setting things right should be. If you make a mistake go quickly and set things right. There's no time to lose! Maybe your swiftness can help you get out of the bad decision. If you make a mistake, set things right now! Don't wait!

God hates things that do not set things right.

God is Love (we'll read that in the New Testament). Yet even He hates when people do not set things right. All seven prevent things that set things right. Purge yourself of these seven things:

eyes that are arrogant,
a tongue that lies,
hands that murder the innocent,
a heart that hatches evil plots,
feet that race down a wicked track,
a mouth that lies under oath,
a troublemaker in the family. (6:17-19, The Message)

What are your investments?

June 3 - Proverbs 1-3: Introducing Solomon's Manual for Living -- Surprise! It's God's Manual After All

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 1-3

The Message

English Standard Version

Today we begin the wise sayings of Solomon, Proverbs. The first part of this book can be summarized easily; however, as we go through the summaries will transition to listing the topics instead of summarizing the chapters. We will continue this book solo until Solomon's portion is finished.

Since the book is a treasure-trove of setting things right I will attempt to give broader-themed comments instead of getting bogged down in the minutiae. Feel free to do so in the comments!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The foundation of all wisdom is trusting in God's Way.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

These are the wise sayings of Solomon, his manual for living.
If you want to be wise the first step is bowing before God. Fools act like self-made humans.
These wise sayings will bring blessings.
Wicked people will lead you into a personal abyss.
Lady Wisdom calls for people to live better lives.
This book—it will become gold to your life.
Good company helps thwart bad ideas.
Life comes from wisdom, not physical blessings.
Think clearly with common sense—the recipe for stress-free living. Help your community if you are able and be courteous. God blesses and curses accordingly.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The book of Proverbs is a manual for living.

There have been several books similar to Proverbs—short sayings that help guide people to better living. Proverbs is a book as an ironic entry in the self-help genre—a book that states self-help comes from not doing what "self" wants. Although Proverbs stands along peers, you will find that it stands above and beyond all of them. This is because it came from the Creator. The book of Proverbs is a manual for living—God's manual for practical living.

The beginning of knowledge is to bow before God.

The Manual for Living (Proverbs) is a book filled with great sayings and important interpersonal, familial, and business advice. However, the most important part of the entire book, the part that if missed will cause the rest of the book to make no sense, is the first piece of advice—start with God. When our foundation is God, all things make sense. When our foundation is in something else it can only take us so far. Consider scientific or mathematical mindsets—highly rational and logical. Both can give great insights into how the world is made up and how it works. Great marvels of engineering, healthcare, and data processing mesh into an amazing world. However, logic alone cannot sustain life. Consider the story of Job. The entire point is that only God makes sense when all other things fail: possessions, physical life, family, religion, logic, reason. Nothing can compete with God's ability to set things right.

Setting things right will make life go well.

In what could be considered the way in which Solomon proves his point that when God is your foundation all things make sense, he uses several personifications of setting things right: Lady Wisdom, Knowledge, Common Sense, Madame Insight, etc. Each of these take you through their functions of setting things right in the book. They prevent bad situations and help through trials. But all of them ring with the same idea: setting things right makes life go well; in essence, setting things right for others will set things right for you.

Not setting things right—either by doing wrong things or by ignoring calls to set things right—will make life more stressed.

The second way that Solomon proves his point that God is the foundation of all things that make sense is the negative—pointing out where things go wrong. These, too, have personifications, though not as many: the Temptress, the Seductress, etc. They will try to make people not do what is right. Here is the difficult part—we cannot know the difference between the personifications of good and evil until God is our foundation. When God is our foundation we can live a relatively stress-free life because good and evil become as different as night and day. The gray areas of life, when examined, become patches of black and white which were only blurred together to make gray.

Giving freely when you are able and not being a bully leads to few enemies.

The first example Solomon uses is helping others. Never tell a neighbor you cannot give what they need if you actually can. We can debate the definition of "neighbor," "help," and/or "need" another time. What is important here is the idea that God does not take advantage of His People; therefore, His People should not take advantage of each other. When we take advantage of others we live worried about who will call, who will visit, and who is out to get us. God's Way circumvents that stress. God's Way leads to life.

Do you live without looking over your shoulder?

June 2 - Song of Songs (Song of Solomon): Pure Love Allowed to Ripen

Today’s Reading: Song of Songs (Song of Solomon)

The Message


English Standard Version

Today’s reading is the entire book of the Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon (book 13). It is a love poem between a man and a woman with a chorus interjecting to ask questions. It is frustratingly vague as to who the woman could be; therefore, it is placed in this position.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Each person earnestly desires to be with the other.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

This is the best of all songs--Solomon’s song!
A woman calls out to her lover because she misses him while he works. They lovingly exchange intimate feelings of love. They compliment each other on their beauty and strength. They belong to each other. Being apart causes anxiety.
One night, he came to her door asking to come in. When she finally opened the door, he was gone. She went looking for him but was caught and mistreated. She does not wish to ever leave her lover again! Each tell of their lover’s wonder and long to reunite soon.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Do not rush love—allow it to bloom until it is ripe.

The woman in this song repeats this theme three times. True, wonderful love is allowed to ripen before it is taken and consumed. What wise advice for lovers of any age. Don’t rush into a relationship—allow it to blossom and grow naturally and it will be enjoyed by both. When love is prematurely devoured it leave both sides feeling worse.

Be possessed with love—do not possess love.

The woman twice exclaims “My lover is mine, and I am his” (2:16, 6:3, The Message). They also humble themselves to believe they did not “earn” the love of the other but were brought up to a higher place. Neither believes they “own” the relationship and allows the other to possess them. When you allow your lover to possess you, you realize that your feelings toward each other glue you together instead of chain you up.

Why is this book here?

This question applies to this book more than most. It does not discuss God’s love with His People. It does not even include God’s name. So why is this book here? I believe it is here because the Song of Songs—Solomon’s Song displays pure love between man and woman. It shows what love can be when it stays unmolested by either side taking control or allowing cheap love alternatives to spoil it.

Do you have a ripened love?

May 31 - 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72: Solomon Asks for God's Wisdom to Set All Things Right

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

The Message

English Standard Version

Today marks five months and 150 days of reading the Bible through in a year! Keep going, you're almost halfway.

Today we begin reading 2 Chronicles. It will lead us through the life of Solomon, the split kingdom, Israel's downfall, and Jerusalem's eventual destruction. Since it chronicles similar events to the books of 1 and 2 Kings (along with several of the prophets) it will take almost three months to finish it.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God blesses Solomon with all of the perks of setting things right because he asked for the wisdom to set all things right.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Solomon arranged peace with Pharaoh. He sacrificed 1000 animals to God. That night, God informed Solomon he would receive anything he asked. Humbled by his position, he asked for God's wisdom. God granted it.
Two prostitutes fought over a child. Solomon suggested splitting the child in half. The real mother willingly gave up her claim to save him, so Solomon gave the boy to her. Everyone in Israel stood in amazement at Solomon's wisdom.
Solomon's house and city were filled with people and great riches. Solomon's wisdom surpassed that of any sage from any place in the world. Trade flourished.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 72

In this Solomon psalm, he writes in honor of his request given to God. He asks for wisdom, protection for the poor, and justice to tyrants. The enemies of God will fall because God will help all people. May God live and never be forgotten! Blessed is God! Yes!

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God chose the best son of David.

David's sons are not known for being very moral people. One son raped his sister and two sons stole his throne before he died. Solomon, however, is completely different. He is so humbled by his position of authority that he wants God's help to rule. When God chooses a leader, He has chosen the best.

Solomon asked for the wisdom to set all things right. So God gave him the perks of setting things right.

Solomon's request was for a higher blessing because the other blessings would have set some things right but only for a short time. Instead, Solomon wanted to set all things right:

Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people? (1 Kings 3:9, The Message)

Ask God for blessings that will set all things right.
All of the other blessings of money, wealth, fame, the doom of his enemies, and long life were given to Solomon because they are the result of setting things right. They may not be universal or the only things you receive when you set things right; nonetheless, the troubles that you receive when you set things right pale in comparison in the end. When we set things right, we will receive fame, fortune, long life, and the downfall of our enemies.

Solomon's decision in the dispute between the two prostitutes set things right.

What at first may seem a barbarous act, cutting a child in half, in reality was the decision that set things right. The true mother was willing to give up her claim on the boy to save his life. Because of her willingness to sacrifice herself instead of her son, Solomon settled the dispute in the right way—reuniting mother and son. In any dispute, seek the decision that will set things right—even if it may be strange or counterintuitive.

Solomon was greatly blessed by God.

God promised Israel that if they gave to the poor He would bless them to the point that

there would be no poor among them. Because of Solomon's great wisdom and humility God's blessing came true—the city became so blessed by God that there were virtually no poor people in the city. When God's People seek God's wisdom and act upon it, there will be no needy people among them.

All of the world will fall down and worship God because of His greatness.

Kings far and famous, rich and powerful, polytheists and atheists will worship because they see God's great works,

Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
   the destitute who have run out of luck.
He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
   he restores the wretched of the earth.
He frees them from tyranny and torture—
   when they bleed, he bleeds;
   when they die, he dies. (72:12-14, The Message) 

The greatest part is that this god is our god! How blessed is God, our god! All earth shows His Glory! Yes!

What would you ask for if God were willing to grant anything you asked?