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A Proverb of Solomon

September 7th, 2023

Proverbs 11:1-7

Solomon is an intriguing figure in scripture. He is the eldest of the surviving sons of King David and Bathsheba. Through the prophet Nathan he was given the divine nickname: “Jedidiah,” “loved by the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:25). David chose Solomon from his many sons to become his heir (1 Kings 1:28ff). God granted Solomon his request for the wisdom of “a discerning heart” (3:9). Solomon built the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem and personally led the magnificent dedication (cc 5-9). As Solomon’s wealth and fame grew, however, he took many foreign wives. “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God” (11:4). Solomon’s sin roused not only the Lord’s anger upon himself, but impacted future generations (11:9-13).

Solomon could have been the founder of Israel’s golden age. Instead civil war, faithlessness, and death were his legacy. Obedience to God in one area, or at one time, does not give us license to disobey God in another. The blessing of the Lord must be our goal every day.

Author: Duane Brush