This collector mug features artwork from my original painting Pursuit of Happiness, first created as part of my 10K Collection, along with the words spoken by King Solomon when he asked God for wisdom: “Give your servant a discerning heart.” The original painting is currently on display at Brewerytown Pilates in Philadelphia, where it can be seen in its new home. Prints of this artwork are also available for those who would like the full piece in their own space.
King Solomon was known as the wisest man who ever lived. When God told him he could ask for anything, Solomon did not ask for money or power. He asked for wisdom so he could lead people the right way. Because of that choice, God blessed him with wisdom, wealth, and influence. His life shows us that wisdom is not just knowledge, it is the ability to make the right choices.
The words we keep around us help shape those choices. They can remind us to pause, think clearly, and seek God’s direction before we move. I created this mug to be a reminder to slow down, listen for guidance, and walk through life with wisdom.
Designed by Philadelphia artist Andromeda Cook.
Part of the Bible Stories in a Cup Collection.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
READ THE FULL STORY BELOW……
Solomon: The Wise Judge and the Warrior’s Son 👑🙏🏾📖💕💫
Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba, and he came from a royal bloodline that God handpicked to lead His people (2 Samuel 12:24). His father David was known as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), and God promised that one of his sons would build a house for the Lord and carry on his throne. That chosen son was Solomon.
Before David died, Solomon’s older brother Adonijah tried to take the throne. But David, with the help of the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, had Solomon anointed and crowned in front of the people (1 Kings 1:32–40). From early on, Solomon was blessed. God even gave him a second name, Jedidiah, meaning “Beloved of the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:25).
Soon after becoming king, Solomon had a dream at Gibeon where God said, “Ask for whatever you want.” Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to lead God’s people. God was so pleased with his request that He gave Solomon not only wisdom, but also wealth, honor, and long life (1 Kings 3:5–14).
Solomon’s wisdom became legendary. He wrote over 3,000 proverbs and more than 1,000 songs (1 Kings 4:32). He authored the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, exploring themes like justice, purpose, love, and reverence for God. One famous example of his wisdom was when two women came to him claiming the same baby. Solomon proposed to divide the baby, revealing the true mother by her willingness to give the child up to save his life (1 Kings 3:16–28).
During his reign, Israel experienced peace, prosperity, and influence like never before. Solomon built cities, established trade routes, expanded the kingdom’s wealth, and created a powerful military. Silver became as common as stones in Jerusalem (1 Kings 10:21).
One of his greatest achievements was building the Temple in Jerusalem, also called Solomon’s Temple. It took seven years to build and became the permanent home for the Ark of the Covenant (1 Kings 6–8). When the Temple was completed, Solomon prayed a powerful prayer asking God to hear from heaven whenever His people turned to Him.
The fame of Solomon spread far beyond Israel. The Queen of Sheba traveled from a distant land with a caravan of gold, spices, and precious stones to test his wisdom. After spending time with him, she admitted that his wisdom and wealth were even greater than the rumors (1 Kings 10:1–10). Ethiopian tradition says their union produced Menelik I, who began the Solomonic Dynasty ~ a royal line that ruled Ethiopia for generations and claimed descent from Solomon. This dynasty continued all the way to Emperor Haile Selassie I, crowned in 1930 as “King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.”
But Solomon’s story also comes with warning. Despite his divine wisdom, he began to drift. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, many from foreign nations, and they influenced him to build altars to false gods like Molech, Chemosh, and Ashtoreth (1 Kings 11:1–8). God warned him that, because of this disobedience, the kingdom would be divided after his death (1 Kings 11:11–13).
Solomon ruled for 40 years, then died and was buried in the City of David. His son Rehoboam became king, but under his leadership the kingdom split… Israel in the north, Judah in the south (1 Kings 12).
Even so, Solomon left a legacy of wisdom, power, and divine inspiration. His writings live on, and even Jesus mentioned him, saying: “The Queen of the South came from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon’s wisdom, and now One greater than Solomon is here.” ~ Matthew 12:42
Solomon’s final message, recorded in Ecclesiastes, still speaks to every generation: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13
