Read Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
Was Solomon speaking from experience here? Did he see himself as that wise youth who grew into a foolish king? If we look at Solomon’s life, that might appear to be the case. You may recall that God came to Solomon in a dream as a young king. 1 Kings 3:5 says, “That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, ‘What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!’”
At that time, we know that Solomon loved the Lord, but already he was offering sacrifices to the local gods. Yet God still asked the question. Solomon’s response was as follows: “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:7-9) Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God.
Continue reading “Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 – It’s Temporary”
