In 1 Kings 3 Solomon sacrifices at a the high places. These are the tops of mountains. These are the places where sacrifices are made until the temple is built. It was believed that there was a dome that separated heaven and earth. The high places were closest to the dome and therefore closest to God. Therefore the smoke and prayers would have the best chance of reaching God.

After Solomon performs one of these sacrifices God comes to him in a dream and asks what Solomon wants from Him. Solomon asks for an understanding mind, wisdom. He knows he is young and will need this gift to be able to govern his people.

God is impressed that  Solomon asked for something that would help others rather than for himself. God gives Solomon wisdom but He also gives him riches and honor as long as he keeps God’s law.

As soon as Solomon arrives in Jerusalem his wisdom is put to the test. Two women have given birth, one child is alive and one is dead. Both women claim the living child as their own. Solomon threatens to kill the child knowing that the woman who is his mother will try to save him by giving him away. Solomon gives the boy to his rightful mother. All Israel knows that Solomon has been given the wisdom of God.

1 Kings 4 tells about Solomon’s reign. He has great wealth and many holdings. He appoints officers to manage his kingdom. Solomon’s wisdom is known throughout the land and he wrote many proverbs and songs.

In 1 Kings 5 Solomon begins to gather the supplies necessary to build God a house (the Temple). He asks King Hiram, a friend of his father David, for help bringing cedars from Lebanon. Solomon offers to pay for the labor needed to do this work. He also conscripts workers to quarry stone. The work on the temple has begun.

1 Corinthians 11 discusses some issues regarding worship: proper reverence, proper behavior, proper compassion. Again Paul pleads for self control and examination so that everyone who comes to worship may do so in genuine faith.