He had just been crowned King of one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations on earth. He had the looks, he had the talent, and he had the humility to ask God for the knowledge and wisdom to lead his people well. Granted!
Brilliantly, in one of his first acts of leadership, King Solomon took steps to secure diplomatic relations with the nations around him. Knowing the strategic importance of Turkey and Syria, as well as the need to remind them who's boss and establish his new administration, he went about making allies. He effectively opened up fair economic trade and showed support for his neighbors by strengthening their defenses. He knew how to make friends and business partners.
"Solomon's horses were imported from Egypt and from Cilicia; the king's traders acquired them from Cilicia at the standard price. At that time, chariots from Egypt could be purchased for 600 pieces of silver, and horses for 150 pieces of silver. They were then exported to the kings of the Hittites and the Kings of Aram." (2 Chronicles 1:16-17)
He could have negotiated a sweet deal with Cilicia to buy horses at a discount, but he chose to be fair and pay full price. They were an important partner, and he wanted to make sure he treated them that way. With the Hittites and Arameans, he wisely exported to them the most important equipment for self-defense, superior chariots and horses. Things they didn't necessarily have the same access to. It was a brilliant move of generosity and partnership.
What are you doing to strengthen your relationships?
Are you looking to take, take, take everything you can to reap a short-term gain, or are you showing up with value, helping others win, and making friends? Are you being the kind of partner that strategic allies want to help?
In your business, don't take your relationships for granted. Show up with value, see what will benefit them, and bring it in abundance. The more people you help succeed, the more they will want to work with you. Show up, show up often, and show up with something helpful.
In your personal relationships, it's no different. If all you ever do is take, eventually the dog will scratch the tick off. All taking and no giving makes Jack a lonely boy. Jesus says if you want to be first, you must take last place and be servants of everyone else. In other words, helping others is the best way to enrich your life.
Be fair in your business dealings, generous with your partners, bring value to others, and experience growth professionally and personally. Solomon is a pretty good example to follow (other than that 700 wives thing...).