The answer is: Horses, wives, money

Deut 17:16-17

In Deuteronomy 17:16-17, the instructions about kingship indicate that simplicity and focus are vital for leadership. While a king may have power, he's advised not to become overly entangled with horses, wives, or immense wealth. It's like saying, keep it simple, dude! This wouldn't just help him maintain good governance but also steer clear of distractions that could lead to corruption or moral failure.

Let's delve a bit into why each of these holds so much significance. Horses symbolize military might and reliance on power— if a king builds a huge stable, it shows he might be more interested in war than peace. The ancient context teaches us that excessively relying on power might end up making a leader tyrannical. Interestingly, the Egyptian Pharaohs were notorious for their great horse collections!

Now, if we talk about wives, this isn’t just personal preference; having many wives often led a king to chase after alliances rather than the well-being of his people. King Solomon famously had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and they led him astray from his original devotion! Finally, the hoarding of gold and silver implied a focus on personal wealth rather than communal prosperity, echoing principles of stewardship rather than selfish accumulation.

This guidance is timeless, reminding us that true leadership shouldn’t be about expanding one's personal empire, but ensuring the health and morale of the people they serve. Simple values make for a strong foundation!