Solomon was given incredible wisdom by God. He had asked for this wisdom when God asked him what he wanted. Of course, his father, David, had told Solomon to look to God for guidance.
People came from around the world to listen to Solomon talk. He could talk knowledgeably about almost anything.
But Solomon allowed his lust for women to destroy him. He married many women and also had many concubines. These women turned Solomon’s heart away from God. Solomon built idols for his wives. And Solomon even worshipped these false gods.
This should be a lesson to all of us. No matter how wise we may be, we still have to be very careful in following God’s laws. If we get away from them, we will be destroyed.
Evidently, Solomon never turned back to God. The idols he built were still in Jerusalem 400 years later. If he had fully repented, he would have destroyed these idols.
Ecclesiastes seems to have been written in the latter part of Solomon’s life. He is telling about seeing all the vanity in life. He is also telling his son to live for God.
It is interesting that in the last chapter, in verse 10, Solomon says, “The preacher sought to find out acceptable words.” While he was the wisest man that ever lived, he had trouble finding the right words to tell his son. It is very likely that he is trying to tell his son not to make the same mistakes he has made.
How sad that Solomon had to find acceptable words. How sad that he has to tell his son to follow his words but not follow his example.
Keep studying your Bible. Always obey what God wants you to do. Do not grow up and have to tell your children to not follow your example. Grow up and tell them to follow your example just as you have followed Christ.
