What does 1 Kings 22:48 mean?

1 Kings 22:48 highlights themes such as failure, ambition, prosperity when read in context.

How should I apply 1 Kings 22:48 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

46And the remnant of the sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land.

47There was then no king in Edom: a deputy was king.

48Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

49Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with thy servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not.

50And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.

failureambitionprosperity

1 Kings 10:22
This verse contrasts Jehoshaphat's failed venture with Solomon's successful trade expeditions.
2 Chronicles 20:37
The failure of the ships serves as a warning against alliances that do not align with God's will.