Memory Verse:  And, behold, I purpose to build an house to the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spoke to David my father, saying, Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your room, he shall build an house to my name. I Kings 5:5 KJV

The Bible says that people, even kings from diverse places marveled at the wisdom of King Solomon (I Kings 4:31). And with wisdom, he had understanding. Solomon wasted no time resting on his laurels while there was peace from war (I Kings 5:4). This wise man’s heart’s desire was to build the house of the Lord. He recruited the best hewers of stone, the Sedonians. He recruited skilled builders and used only premium materials, which the Lord required. There was no building that was made like Solomon’s Temple unto the Lord.

The temple building project took seven years to complete (I Kings 6:38). Solomon also built his own immaculate house. This building however, was a thirteen-year endeavor. Matthew Henry writes,

“Solomon began with the temple; he built for God first, and then his other buildings. The surest foundations of lasting prosperity are laid in early piety. He was thirteen years building his house, yet he built the temple in little more than seven years; not that he was more exact, but less eager in building his own house, than in building God’s. We ought to prefer God’s honour before our own ease and satisfaction.”

God honored Solomon’s efforts because he honored God first.

“11 And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying, 12 Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.” I Kings 6:11-13 KJV

Exalt her [wisdom], and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. Proverbs 4:8 KJV