Things I Shouldn’t Seek (2 Chron.; Rom. 12:19; Matt. 6:33)

Solomon was equally the wisest and most foolish man who ever lived. In asking in humility for the wisdom and knowledge he needed to guide the people God had made him king over, he was granted that plus riches and wealth and honor unlike any other king before or after him. This wisdom is easy to see, but the foolishness might seem hidden at first glance. He ruled with much wisdom for 40 years, saw peace rest on his kingdom, and built a temple gloriously unparalleled, yet he started following other gods, and his heart eventually strayed from the one true God. He had everything, yet it wasn’t enough, and that is foolishness. It is from Solomon’s foolish actions after he received God’s gifts that we can learn what to avoid, and it is from God’s words to Solomon when he asked for wisdom that we can learn things we shouldn’t seek after. 

The first and second thing that God mentions Solomon not asking for are riches and wealth (2 Chron. 1:10). It has always seemed strange to me that both of these words are mentioned, since they seem to be synonymous in today’s culture. One definition I looked up in a modern dictionary mentioned that riches deal with material possessions, especially money, whereas wealth deals with the sustainability of riches. A financial expert, Brian M. Reiser, seems to concur, defining wealth as “having enough money to live exactly the life you want without compromise or fear” (“What Is the Difference Between Rich and Wealthy?”). Reiser's definition is rather telling when applied to Solomon, who had enough money to live without compromise or fear, yet did compromise his beliefs. 

Reiser also emphasizes that wealth is more about “sustainability and duration” versus being rich, which means “having a lot of money and being able to afford lots of fancy, expensive purchases” (“What Is the Difference Between Rich and Wealthy?”). In the Webster’s 1828 dictionary there is an interesting note underneath the first definition of riches: “Riches do not consist in having more gold and silver, but in having more in proportion than our neighbors.” Webster pins the problem with riches as being comparative and consuming. Our selfish hearts always long for more, and when our hearts are not focused on God, more is all-consuming, thus riches alone are not necessarily sustainable. 

Wealth, however, is. God gave Solomon both riches and wealth “such as none of the kings who were before [him] has possessed, nor those who will come after” (2 Chron. 1:12). As a result, he was able to build a kingdom whose splendor was like none before or since, and he was able to do so without draining the coffers of the nation or enslaving his own people. Solomon’s riches are obvious, the Chronicles’ writer saying he “made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem” (2 Chron. 9:27), which are abundant. God gave Solomon riches equal to the wisdom he had given him, but notice these were not his heart’s desire as he makes his petition to God. Riches and wealth come from the LORD. 

The third thing God mentions Solomon not asking for is honor. Solomon did not seek after  exalted rank or distinction or esteem or reputation or the acknowledgment of man; rather, he simply sought after the wisdom and knowledge necessary to rule the kingdom God had given him. His heart at this time was toward God and he saw his own limitations and felt overwhelmed by the great task before him. He honored his father, David, and he honored God, and God granted him honor that fell into the category of “like no other.” Honor comes from the LORD and should not be sought.

The fourth thing Solomon did not ask for was revenge on his enemies. He had grown up in the shadow of power-hungry brothers who grasped at and created opportunities for it, failing miserably in their attempts. Solomon had seen the devastating pull of revenge firsthand and avoided this snare. A familiar verse in Romans 12:19 also speaks of revenge, saying, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,’ says the Lord.” Solomon laid aside the opportunity to ask for revenge, laying it at the feet of the LORD and asking for wisdom and knowledge instead. When opportunities arose and he needed to mete out justice, he did so wisely because of God’s gift to him. God did not grant him revenge as he had granted honor and wealth and riches. Revenge isn't to be sought.

Neither did God grant Solomon an overly long life, but he didn’t ask for one. Solomon was young when he took the throne and ruled 40 years, which would mean he lived to a good age for his time, yet the length of his life in no way compared to the patriarchs. A long life isn't to be sought.

Solomon did finish building the temple for God, and he prayed a prayer of dedication afterwards. When he had prayed to the LORD, the God of Israel, whom there was no other like in heaven or earth, who kept covenant with David and watched over His servants who walked before him whole-heartedly, “fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house” (2 Chron. 7:1). Solomon, who began his reign in wisdom, being filled with knowledge and understanding, was given riches and wealth and honor, yet he foolishly altered the trajectory of his course by worshiping false gods, by letting the little foxes of his wives and concubines lead him astray. This man who had been given everything by God let the distraction of the things of the world, his longing and love for them, separate him from the Father. 

The lesson is clear in 2 Chronicles just as the admonition is clear in Matthew 6:33: "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you." Lest we find ourselves seeking riches and wealth and honor or revenge or a long life, seek God, and keep our eyes fixed "on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith" (Heb. 12:2).