1 Kings 6:12
Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:
Concerning this house which Solomon was building, the word came to him while he was engaged in the work as an assurance that God was taking notice of his efforts and of the efforts of the others laboring with him on the building. The house in view is the permanent temple erected after Israel settled in Canaan to replace the movable tabernacle, larger than the tabernacle yet following its proportions and having similar furnishings. God's performing of the word spoken to David, Solomon's father, was made conditional on Solomon walking in God's statutes and executing His judgments and keeping all His commandments to walk in them, walking before God with integrity and uprightness of heart.
The fulfillment promised on that condition was that God would perform His word to Solomon, dwell among the children of Israel, be with Solomon and establish his throne, and bless and honor him. The house was to be built according to God's instructions as the place where He would meet His people, and its perfection was to represent His greatness before the surrounding nations. The specifications for the work were repeated often and were to be followed with the utmost exactness in all that was done, and the care shown in performing the work taught both believers and unbelievers the importance of the work being done for God.
Solomon's faithful direction of the construction stood as part of a life then marked by devotion and uprightness and strict obedience to God. That same watchcare rests over God's work today, for those who labor with a sincere desire to fulfill His word and glorify His name gain increased knowledge because He cooperates with them. He watches with approval those who keep His glory in view, giving them skill and understanding and adaptability for their work. Everyone who enters His service determined to do his best receives a valuable education if, instead of following his own wisdom and ideas, he heeds instruction and remains teachable, seeking the Lord in humility and using the knowledge gained for Him with cheerfulness and gratitude.