1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, Proverbs 30-31: So close and yet so far. That is how I would characterize Solomon. He started well. He had a heart for the things of God. He built the most amazing temple to honor God. He had all of the wisdom in the world. People, including the Queen of Sheba were amazed his wisdom and honored God because of it. And yet he faded away into disobedience. His kingdom fell in the days of his son because Solomon though at one time close to God in his adulthood slowly but surely, one decision at a time drifted. His departure from the things of God started by his disobedience with women. He married probably for political reasons, but his heart was drawn away and he began building altars and places of worship for his wives who worshiped other entities. In time he too found himself offering sacrifices to other gods. This displeased God greatly. Though he knew better, he chose a path that led him far away. God is a jealous God not that other gods in any way could compare, but He is jealous for us to serve Him alone. He alone is The Way, The Truth, The Life. All others are poor substitutes. Because of this to exchange His glory for anything or anyone else is to choose a dark road and a dangerous path.
When Solomon lived in God’s wisdom and obeyed God, others glorified God. Others were drawn to Him and obedience in Him.
1 Kings 10:8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9ch. 5:7 Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.”
Are you following the paths God has for you? Are you close to Him and clean before Him? Have you faded in your faith or just drifted from your once passionate love for Him? It’s not too late. Come back, confess, repent and return to the joy of His salvation. Make Him known in all you do and the end result will be that others will be drawn to Him.