God's provision is greater than Solomon's splendor

picture of a lily from the website of the Ohio Lily Society

2 Chronicles 9:22 says that

"King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth."

But what did the Lord Jesus say?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. "(Matt 6:28-29)

Luke 12:27 puts it this way:

"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

King Solomon may have been super-duper-ultra-rich, but the Lord Jesus says that Solomon was not dressed like the lilies of the field. The lilies were dressed with God's provision. The lilies looked that beautiful because God gave them their "clothing". God designed them like that.

Sometimes we are not grateful for the provision God gives. We don't love what God has given us. We complain that it's too small, too little, too bland, not enough, too ugly, poorly located, etc. Yet the Lord says, the lilies were dressed better than mega-rich splendidly-dressed King Solomon.


In Luke 12:28-31, the Lord Jesus goes on,

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

There was a time I whined to God (around 2005) about why we didn't have money to buy a need, yet some people were so rich they could buy any luxurious thing they wanted. The Lord spoke to my heart to read Matthew 6:28 and the verses following. The Lord asked me, in my heart, "what is the most luxurious place or thing you can think of?" I answered the Lord, "the Burj al Arab in Dubai, the 7- star hotel." The Lord said, "Solomon's splendor was greater than the Burj al Arab's splendor. But my provision is greater than Solomon's splendor."

When I heard that, I felt so ashamed for whining to God. His provision is greater than Solomon's splendor! Wow! No luxury can compare to what God has provided for me! Why should I look in envy at what other people have or what they can buy? What I have is the best because God gave it. I desire what God provides for me because that is the best. I don't want what someone else has.

I didn't whine anymore after that. I love what God has provided for me. It's better than Solomon's splendor. :-D