January 26, 2022

Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good. Ecclesiastes 9:18

We are shown that Solomon, as a young king, asked the LORD for wisdom. The LORD gladly gave it, and in addition, riches and honor. The beginning of Solomon’s reign had tremendous potential for dispensing the gospel message to the entire world. The glory and order that had resulted from his leadership while living in obedience to the LORD had become known among the heathen nations throughout the known world. The glory of Israel as a nation was at its zenith during these years. The apostasy that so embittered much of his life did not come all at once, but had occurred in small steps. By the time he was awakened to the reality of his folly, he was old and terribly regretted the downward course he had pursued. But the LORD never forsook Solomon, and at long last in deep spiritual thirst, he turned from the broken earthly cisterns to drink once more from the fountain of life (see Jeremiah 2:13).

As valuable as the gift of life itself is the gift of repentance. It needs only to be accepted. Solomon was indeed truly repentant. A true penitent does not, in the wake of gaining peace, forget his past sins. He also gains a deep concern regarding the negative influence he has been on others. He thinks of the ways that his course has led others into evil and attempts, however he can, to lead them back to the right path. The brighter and clearer the light he takes his stand in, the stronger his desire to set the feet of others onto a corrected course! He sounds a danger signal, not glossing over his wayward acts or making light of disobedience toward God, but rather puts out a message that others might take warning.

Solomon’s writings at the end of his life, in his enfeebled state, reveal that his realization deepened more and still more the wickedness of his folly as an example to others. There were some during his days who remained faithful to God, but many were emboldened to pursue a similar course of waywardness and idolatry, placing any and every worldly pleasure ahead of God, leaving an ever-widening wake of destruction behind… Solomon, in the end, gave special attention to youths, to warn them against falling into the same errors that had caused him to squander Heaven’s choicest gifts and blessings.

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come and the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them.” Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the breath will return to God who gave it. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.  Ecclesiastes 12:1,7,13,14