SCRIPTURE
"As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been." (1 Kings 11:4)
OBSERVATION
God told Solomon he could ask for anything when he became king. Solomon asked for wisdom so God gave him a "wise and discerning heart" unlike anyone who has ever lived. His wisdom came with a warning, "don't intermarry with foreign women because they will turn your heart away from God." Well Solomon did not intermarry with a foreign woman...he married several hundred wives and had three hundred concubines. The longer he lived with them (as he grew old) his heart turned after other gods. His defenses were worn down.
Perhaps Solomon's strength was also his downfall. The guy who knows everything and can be told nothing. "Many wives...yeah, yeah, yeah. I know." Maybe he thought his wisdom was wiser than God's warning. After all, people traveled great distances to listen to him. His ego may not have been kept in check and he may have become too big for his breeches...a regular smarty pants, a know it all that led to a downfall.
APPLICATION
I cannot outsmart God. He always knows better and I am to obey. I need to walk humbly before him and not be puffed up with knowledge. Yes, I am to learn God's word and know what God's will is for my life. However, as much as I know, or think I know, there is much I still don't know. I need to maintain a teachable spirit. God, still knows best no matter what I know. My edumacation cannot become my god, you are my God.
PRAYER
Lord, you are infinitely wise, much more than me. Teach me your ways so I can walk in your truth.
