Solomon spared no expense in preparing the temple for divine worship. The finest stones were cut. Everything was designed by the most skilled craftsmen of that day. Then, everything was overlaid with gold. When it was finished, the temple was one of the wonders of the world. It truly was magnificent to behold. The vast amount of gold and impressive stones was enormously impressive to an agrarian people used to simple living.
Unfortunately, generously overlaying everything with gold did not make the people’s worship any more acceptable to God. Even Solomon’s heart would drift from his first love. If our heart is not right before God as we worship Him, then no amount of offering or extravagance can make up for it.
At times people can present a great outward appearance to God. We can give generously to His causes. We can dress ourselves up to look professional. We can speak in pious terms. But in reality, there is an emptiness to our worship. We may be hollow people, overlaid with gold. God sees our heart. He is not impressed with outward grandeur. He cannot be “bought off.” Is your life all show, or is it genuine?