The Life of Solomon, 1 Kings

Whether it’s sports, financial planning, or the Christian life – we’ve all heard the admonition, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” Everyone likes the idea of finishing well, think it is the right priority. As Christians, we know we started in our new life as babes – weak and ignorant. The years go by and we grow stronger – we pray – maturing in Christ and sanctified by His Spirit. We will finish well – if we are His. Not without defeat, discouragement, and marked by sin – yet He will preserve us so we will persevere! As we look at the life of Solomon, we see a man who started strong, yet finished with one the saddest commentaries on life ever written. Here’s a brief overview from 1 Kings, contrasting the favor of God and the judgment of God on Solomon. 

Proverbs 7 - Listen and Live!

The point of this chapter is to exhort all people to listen to the Lord and live. Gill: Listen, “not the commandments of the law only, but the commandments of Christ; and even the doctrines of Christ are so called, as faith in him, and love to the saints, (1 John 3:23; John 14:21,23); which is the way to live comfortably, peaceably, pleasantly, and honourably.” In this context, as in many places in Scripture, listening is more than hearing; it conveys the idea of obedience; that is the goal. Solomon’s warning is that the harlot offers pleasure but delivers death. 

Proverbs 4:1-13, The Way of Life

Mere academic studies with no eternal focus will wear a person out. The sum of man’s duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. Are we teaching this to ourselves and to our children? We need wisdom from God to do this. Are we asking Him for this? He delights in giving wisdom to His children. Let’s seek to delight our Father and humbly ask Him for wisdom, day-by-day.

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. Wisdom from God is the way of life. Seek out the Lord of wisdom, embrace Him, exalt Him. This is the way – walk in it.