Reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal and read 1 King’s 10-12. Solomon was a man who started well. He was humble and submissive to Yahweh. He sought after the Lord as his father, David, had. But as his wealth multiplied and his military power expanded, his attention to his spiritual health began to wane. He took wives from the people groups to whom Yahweh had forbidden marriage. He did it for political expediency. His harem consisted of seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. The most tragic verses in the story of Solomon are 11:4-6. His yielding to the influence of those forbidden women led him AWAY from Yahweh. It cost his descendants the throne. (See 11:14-40 and highlight v. 39) Solomon’s sins adversely affected his family and his nation for years to come. Here are some things to consider:
First, remember a good start spiritually does not guarantee a great finish. We must be diligent and disciplined in our relationship with God. When we let our guard down for any reason, we endanger ourselves and our spiritual legacy. It is a lifelong journey on a difficult road. (Matthew 7:13-14)
Second, remember that Solomon violated a simple biblical principle that James wrote in James 4:17 - “So it is a sin for the person who knows the right thing to do and does not do it.” He knew what was required of him. He had intimate conversations with Yahweh. He was the wisest, richest, most powerful man in the world. But instead of using all that to influence others, he yielded to the influence of those who worshipped foreign idols.
My hope is that you will be on guard constantly for your spiritual integrity. Guard your heart, guard your lips, renew your mind, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. When you know the right thing to do, just do it and trust God for the outcome. Finishing well is a lifelong endeavor, but it is never too late to start!
