The Prosperity Puzzle

Solomon's wisdom led Israel into an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity, but at no small cost. His expansive "breadth of mind" illustrated the numerous ways we can serve and glorify God today. God even used him to partially fulfill many of his ancient promises to Abraham: for people, place, protection and a program of blessing the nations. Yet Solomon's achievements still fell short of God's full design for human prosperity, which seeks the advantage of all, not just some. Christians today can pursue God's design not by seizing power or angrily decrying injustice, but by applying God's wisdom to the places he has planted us, and then sharing the fruits of that wisdom as generously as possible.