Great Lesson For All Of Us - The Attitudes Of King Solomon.
Contrary to the world's wisdom which mostly brings regrets and sufferings no matter how hard we try to do our best, in the book of Proverbs we are supplied with the wisdom to lead our lives so that all our ways bring peace, joy, happiness, prosperity and long life.
If a young person follows the teaching and advice given in the book Proverbs, takes to heart Solomon's mistakes, I can fully assure you that all will go well with him or her no matter what.
The book of Proverbs are written by Solomon who become the king of Israel in approximately 967 B.C.E. His kingdom extended from the Euphrates River in the north to Egypt in the south. Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba, and third king over Israel (first was Soul, second was David Solomon's father). Although Solomon was young when did start to reign as a king, he soon became known for his wisdom and wealth. For when God appeared to Solomon for the first time, He said to him:
"Ask what I shall give you." Solomon answered God, "You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let Your promise to my father David be confirmed, for You have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead these people, for who is able to govern these great people of Yours?" God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have." Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel" (2 Chronicles 1:7-13; 1 Kings 3:5).
Not to covet material things but ask God for wisdom and understanding, for then all the other things will be added as well. To seek His face and His Righteousness and His kingdom first of all. This is also approved by Jesus, who is far greater and wiser than Solomon for He said -
"seek first the Kingdom and Righteousness of God and all things to that will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
The blessings of God, given to Solomon, made him the wisest, richest and most honourable at that time. He asked for wisdom and he received not only that but all the other blessings as well.
Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. (1 Kings 11). Among them were many foreigners who worshipped idols (their gods) which was one of the greatest stumbling blocks for Solomon. Anyway, during his 40 years reign, Solomon did many great things and there was great peace at that time in Israel. His greatest achievement was the building of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
But in spite of his wisdom and understanding, he did fall away from the grace of God by following his own desires and turning away from Him to worthless idols.
That was his greatest mistake, fall, sin altogether, and led him into deep despair and unhappiness in spite of his enormous wealth, health and everything he had.
Solomon turned away from the only God to worldly pleasures.
Solomon, the same way as near all people at all times do, tried everything to satisfy the longings of his heart, but he never was happy and at peace just because there was no God in his life. He had no close fellowship with God. In spite of all his great achievements and fame and all the world's riches that he had, he was unhappy, depressed and unfulfilled just because turned away from God. For it is only God who gives us health, peace, joy, riches and only He enables us to enjoy them. Apart from God no gold, no silver, no women, no man, nor all the world with its pleasures and possibilities, if it could be given to you, are able to give true happiness, satisfaction and enjoyment.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, which is also written by him, Solomon finally recognizes the rule and reign of God in the world as He says:
"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
When God come to Solomon for the second time He did come with the warning:
"if you follow My decrees, observe My laws and keep all My commands and obey them, I will fulfil through you the promise I gave to David your father" (1 Kings 6:12; 1 Kings 9:5).
But Solomon went on paying no attention to God and God become angry:
The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although He had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord's command. So the LORD said to Solomon,-
"Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen" (1 Kings 11:9-13).
Great lesson for all of us - the attitudes of king Solomon. As Jesus did say: "who has ears, let him hear."
For this reason, keep with the Lord your God step in step every minute of your day. Walk in His ways and enjoy His blessings. Be as king David who was "the man after God's own heart" in spite of all his failings. The Creator of all things through Jesus Christ your Saviour now has become your loving heavenly Father. Enjoy the life under His leading, protection and guidance. Do not deny when He speaks to you, as it is even now.
"On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths" (Ezekiel 16:4).
Even if you did not read the whole Bible, the book of Proverbs can cut your cord which keeps you to this world and revert you back to God by the Holy Spirit; wash you with the pure water (the Word of God Himself); make you clean and rub you with the salt (by the blood of Jesus) and clothe you (put on you the garments of Salvation) and to cover your shameful nakedness (to dress you with the rob of righteousness).
The Words of the entire Bible
"are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body" (Proverbs 4:22).
