Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
From the biblical account, it looks as though Solomon lived a life marked by conspicuous consumption. There was nothing he denied himself; it was bling on a scale that would make a Russian oligarch look a little dowdy. In this chapter Solomon's gold, silver, ivory and apes (verse 22), his precious wood and spices, his lion throne and well-equipped army, are presented as objects of wonder.
But it's not as simple as that. The writer knows that Solomon's good fortune is largely inherited from his father David, who had no taste for such excess. After a good start, Solomon was to turn away from God. Did his wealth contribute to his spiritual downfall? It's hard to imagine it had no effect on him.
The Bible doesn't criticise wealth as such. But it does tell us that rich people have responsibilities that they might find it hard to live up to. In Proverbs it says, 'let me be neither rich nor poor'. The writer asks for just enough: 'If I have more, I might say that I do not need you. But if I am poor, I might steal and bring disgrace on my God' (30.8–9). And Jesus warns his disciples that 'it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle' (Matthew 19.24).
Real poverty is a horrible and ugly thing. But wealth can disguise a spiritual ugliness. Solomon, like all of us, was under God's judgement.
God, you know my needs and you know my heart. Give me just enough, and let me not be tempted away from your service by the things of this world.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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