King Solomon, the Wisest Man That Ever LivedSample

Solomon humbled himself before God

“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath…’” (1 Kings 8:22-23)

Many kings in ancient times had themselves worshiped as gods. The Egyptian Pharaoh was considered a god on earth and was miles above ordinary people. King Herod felt flattered when the people answered his speech with the exclamation, “A voice of God and not of a man!” The Roman Tiberius had coins minted with the inscription, “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, son of divine Augustus.”

What a contrast these men make to King Solomon! When he had built the temple for God, he uttered a penetrating prayer. Solomon confessed in a clear and unambiguous way that the Lord God is the one, supreme God. Humbly he asked, “Have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God” (1 Kings 8:28). In verse 54 we are told that he prayed this on his knees, in front of all the people. Apparently Solomon did not feel the need to pretend to be great or to be worshiped. That honor belonged only to God.

A high position can quickly lead to arrogance and lust for power. You may not be a king, but can also feel elevated above others. What helps keep you with both feet on the ground?