1 Kings 10 describes all of the riches Solomon has attained. He is very wealthy because people from other lands come to him to hear his wisdom and bring gifts in return. Israel prospers because of their king.

1 Kings 11 describes the women Solomon loves. They are from many foreign lands in disobedience to the commands of the Lord that the people of Israel stay away from women who worship other gods. God warns that they will turn Solomon’s heart away from the Lord. When Solomon was old his wives did turn him away from God. He began to worship other gods.

God becomes angry. He vows to tear apart Solomon’s kingdom after he dies. Because of his father David, God allows one tribe to remain as the house of David. God raises up enemies against Solomon  God gives Jeroboam the ten tribes of Israel. David’s line keeps Jerusalem under Solomon’s son Rehoboam.

Solomon was known for his wisdom but he failed to show it in his own faith. He did what he knew to be against the Lord’s covenant and the people of Israel suffered.

1 Corinthians 13 is probably the most well-known chapter in the New Testament and perhaps the entire Bible. It speaks of the love that we are to have for one another. It follows the theme that Paul has been establishing throughout the letter to the Corinthians. True love treats others with respect and deference. All the faith in the world becomes null and void if it is not backed up with love for the other. This kind of love holds us together when our differences threaten to break us apart. It is the love of God.