Solomon
Solomon’s life is a powerful example filled with lessons on what to do and what to avoid.
Solomon loved God deeply, and he demonstrated this through extraordinary devotion. He offered a thousand burnt offerings to honor God (1 Kings 3:4), a sacrifice unlike anything seen before.
In response, God appeared to him and granted him unparalleled wisdom, making him the wisest king to ever live (1 Kings 3:12).
Solomon’s story reminds us that sincere devotion to God can lead to remarkable blessing, but it also teaches the importance of staying faithful to the end.
Unlike David his father who loved the LORD and also had the fear of the LORD, whenever he sinned even after grave failure, his heart led him back to repentance and restoration. Solomon, however, though he loved God, he drifted away because the fear of the Lord was not firmly rooted in him, and he did not fully return to God as David did.
A Thousand Burnt Offering
He offered a thousand burnt offerings to honor God (1 Kings 3:4), a sacrifice unlike anything seen before as earlier highlighted. Because of his sacrifice, God appeared to him:
“Ask! What shall I give you?” — 1 Kings 3:5
This is one of the most powerful moments in Scripture. God gave him an open invitation because Your level of devotion determines your level of encounter.
Solomon asked for wisdom and God was pleased with his request because he did not ask for riches, long life or the life of his enemies and all those things were added to his request.
“Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people.” — 1 Kings 3:9
Things Added to Solomon's Request
When you prioritize God’s will, His kingdom, service and righteous living, many things are not pursued, they are added. Solomon prioritized judging the people over other desires, service over personal gain and purpose over pleasure.
Because you have asked this… and have not asked for riches or long life… I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor.” — 1 Kings 3:11–13
It is pertinent to note that many of these blessings are already provided for in the Bible.
Rather than making them our primary prayer focus, we are called to live according to the principles that govern them.
As we align with God’s will, these things begin to manifest in our lives because when you pursue purpose, God adds provision.
Jesus later confirmed this same pattern:
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33
Riches
When you pursue God’s will, you don’t have to chase riches as your primary focus.
1. The Fear of the LORD
Scripture teaches that “by humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).
2. Wisdom (Ability to make right decisions)
“Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left-hand riches and honor.” — Proverbs 3:16
3. Diligence and Hard work
“The hand of the diligent makes rich.” — Proverbs 10:4
4. God's blessing
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22
This shows that the pathway to true abundance is not pursuit, but alignment, living with reverence for God, walking in humility, wisdom, diligence and God's blessing. True prosperity flows from reverence for God not from chasing wealth.
Long Life
Long life in Scripture is often connected to alignment with God’s wisdom, obedience, and righteous living. When you walk in God’s ways, you are not just preparing for eternity, you are also positioning yourself for a life guided, preserved, and sustained by His wisdom.
let us consider some of these principles in the Bible that are connected to long Life:
1. Obedience to God
Obedience preserves life because God’s instructions protect us spiritually, morally, and even practically.
“Keep My commandments… for length of days and long life…” — Proverbs 3:1–2
2. Honoring Your Parents
This is one of the clearest promises tied directly to long life.
“Honor your father and your mother… that your days may be long.” — Exodus 20:12
3. The Fear of The LORD
Reverence for God leads to wise living and divine preservation.
“The fear of the Lord prolongs days.” — Proverbs 10:27
4. Wisdom
Wisdom protects people from destructive choices.
“Length of days is in her right hand…” — Proverbs 3:16
When your life is aligned with God, provision follows, but when provision becomes the goal, you lose the alignment.