Influence of God's GlorySample

Solomon’s Keys to Success

Solomon was a young man, newly inaugurated when the Lord first appeared to him in a dream at Gibeon (1 Kings 3). God told Solomon to ask him for whatever he wanted God to give him, and the young king asked for a “discerning heart to govern” God’s people and “to distinguish between right and wrong.” God was pleased with Solomon’s request and promised to give him a “wise and discerning heart” and then promised to give him a good reputation and riches as well.

1 Kings 9 is a parallel passage to 2 Chronicles 7, and a moment worth revisiting. When Solomon had completed most of his projects in Jerusalem, including the temple, the Lord appeared to him again. Once again, God reminds Solomon of the covenant agreement behind his great blessing.

1. Consider Solomon’s life. How should God’s people define “the key to success?”