Solomon is thought by many to be the wisest man that ever lived. His anointed time tested insights into humanity, creation, and a plethora of life situations are recorded in the Book of Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes. A few examples: Prov 4:20-22. “My son give attention to my words … they are life to those that find them …” I’ve come to believe all of God’s words have life giving potential. Prov 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” I want to be that friend and have friends like that, because if we do, we will all grow. Song 2:7 “… Do not stir up nor awaken love until it is time.” There is definitely a plenty of times when romantic love shouldn’t be pursued. Or how about Ecc 3 “To everything there is a season; a time to be born, a time to die, … plant, pluck, kill, heal, break down, build up, laugh, mourn, etc…” It is a classic text often quoted at weddings, funerals, and more.
The smartest people are still capable of doing the dumbest things. Solomon ignored his own God given wisdom, and God’s word by marrying many foreign women, that encouraged systemic dysfunction in his faith, and life. He chose connections that created pressure on him to follow God halfheartedly if at all. In our struggles is there something for us to learn from Solomon? I believe there is! The smartest man in the world marrying seven hundred women is understandably a punch line almost three thousand years later. With such pronounced failures in his life, I wondered, “Why did God wanted this story preserved for us?”. That Solomon knew so much yet struggled to apply what he knew to himself reminds me that none of us are that much different. Perhaps we can gain an insight into our weakness through him.
We know texting while driving is dangerous but some of us still do it. Cell phone use is involved in over half of the U.S.A. car accidents. We know certain foods are bad for us yet still eat them. Many heart patients revert to old diet patterns even after having a serious episode. Does any smoker believe it is good for them? Solomon knew and didn’t do. Does this sound familiar? I enjoy learning new things, but too many think learning more will solve their problems.
Let’s consider a few things from Solomon’s life that might be helpful and hopeful to us today. First, the mercy of God didn’t depart from Solomon, and it won’t depart from you (2Sam 7:15; Psa 124). God has mercy, help, and escapes already planned for you!. Will you trust He will be merciful and helpful to you? Second, God promised Solomon that if he or the people turned toward Him in repentance and faith, that He would hear from Heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land (2Chron 7:14; Rom 10:13; Titus 2:11-12). Will you ask Him for help, and repent as needed? Let’s not doubt His love and willingness to help because there are some consequences! Finally, Solomon loved the Lord, but still needed to return to the Lord as his first love (1Kings 3:3; Rev 2:4-5)/ Will you freshly seek to know the Lord as the first love in your life rather than know “things” about God? In Christ, God has qualified you for joy filled living (Rom 15:13; Rom 5:5), that works by love, not by “knowledge”. Let’s encourage growth in our love for God.