Solomon was the wisest man to walk this earth besides Jesus. He could discern, understand, and tackle tough issues. He could sit among the smartest people and debate them for hours... winning EVERY debate. He always knew what to say. People came from all over the world to hear him speak. He was clothed in the royal robes of a GREAT king. He lived in a BEAUTIFUL palace. He also reigned under the sacrificial system where offerings where a daily thing. I'm guessing that because he was Jewish and he wanted to please God, he would come every day with his hands held out and bring to God what God commanded... offerings. Offerings that would make God smile.
But as we know, he didn't always obey God. God had said to not marry foreign women because they would lead them astray with their idols. However, Solomon brought MANY foreign women into his harem and married hundreds of them. The Bible tells us that they did eventually turn his heart away from God. I'm guessing that he learned these words in Proverbs the hard way.
He didn't feel close to God even though he was bringing offerings every day. He felt empty. Why? Because he was walking in disobedience. He finally came to the conclusion that God is more pleased when we do what is right and just (obey), than when all we do is offer him sacrifices.
This is a great lesson for us. It's much easier to come every day and lay our offerings at His feet than it is to obey His Word. "Oh, Lord, here I am... I give my life for you to do as you see fit." But then we go out from there and pay no attention to what God tells us to do... love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, deny yourself and take up your cross, make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you... etc. etc. If we only offer sacrifices without obedience, then we will be empty and distant from God.
This is speaking to me today. I will become much more intentional about doing what He says before bringing my offerings. Hope this is moving your heart as well.