How does Solomon's preparation reflect Proverbs 21:31 about readiness and reliance on God? The Inspired Snapshot: Proverbs 21:31 “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” This one-verse proverb holds two balanced truths: • Human responsibility—“The horse is prepared.” • Divine sovereignty—“Victory rests with the LORD.” Solomon’s Thoughtful Preparation 1 Kings 5:13-18; 2 Chronicles 2:1-9 show Solomon working hard before a single stone of the temple was laid: • Organized labor: “Solomon conscripted seventy thousand porters… eighty thousand stonecutters… and thirty-six hundred overseers.” (2 Chronicles 2:2) • Secured materials: cedar and cypress from Lebanon; “no workman skillful like the Sidonians.” (1 Kings 5:6) • Calculated costs and logistics: “My servants will bring them down… and you shall pay the wages.” (1 Kings 5:9) • Planned for excellence: “The house I am about to build will be great and wonderful.” (2 Chronicles 2:9) He acted exactly like the proverb’s rider who saddles the horse and sharpens the sword. Solomon’s Deep Reliance on the LORD Even with flawless planning, Solomon never treated success as a human guarantee. • Wisdom request: “I am but a little child… Give Your servant an understanding heart.” (1 Kings 3:7-9) – he knew ability comes from God. • Temple purpose: “But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens and even the highest heavens cannot contain Him?” (2 Chronicles 2:6) – humility amid grandeur. • Dedication prayer: “May the LORD our God be with us… so that He may incline our hearts to Him.” (1 Kings 8:57-58) – ultimate dependence for covenant faithfulness. • Public confession: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You.” (1 Kings 8:23) – victory, blessing, and presence are God’s alone to give. Preparation met reliance, mirroring Proverbs 21:31: Solomon put the “horse” in order yet looked to the LORD for every triumph. Lessons for Life Today • Plan thoroughly—faith never excuses laziness (Proverbs 24:27). • Pray continually—preparation without prayer breeds pride (Philippians 4:6-7). • Expect God’s hand—results belong to Him (Proverbs 16:9). • Praise afterward—when success comes, return the glory (Psalm 115:1). Solomon’s example turns a single proverb into a living picture: sleeves rolled up, knees bowed down. |
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