Day 81 – 1 Kings: Character sketch of Solomon

“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?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.” 1 Kings 3:10-11

Wisdom is only effective when put into action. Early in his life, Solomon had the sense to recognise his need for wisdom. But by the time he asked for wisdom to rule the kingdom, he had already established a habit that would render his wisdom ineffective in his own life – he had sealed a pact with Egypt by marrying Pharaoh’s daughter. She was the first of hundreds of wives he married for political reasons. Following this path, he went against not only his father’s last words but also God’s direct commands.

God’s gift of wisdom to Solomon did not mean he couldn’t make mistakes. While becoming famous for building the Temple, he became infamous as a leader who excessively taxed and overworked his people. Little is mentioned about the last decade of Solomon’s reign, but it’s clear that as visitors from distant lands came to admire this wise king, his own people were gradually alienated from him.

Strengths and accomplishments

Solomon is known as the wisest man who ever lived and wrote the books of Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) and many of the Proverbs. He was a diplomat, trader, collector, patron of the arts, and builder of God’s Temple in Jerusalem.

Weaknesses and mistakes

He sealed many foreign agreements by marrying pagan women and allowed his wives to affect his loyalty to God. He excessively taxed his people and drafted them into labour and military forces.

Life lessons from Solomon’s life

Effective leadership can be marred by an ineffective personal life. Knowing what actions are required of us means little without the will to do them.

Prayer: Father, thank You for teaching us that wisdom doesn’t exempt one from sinning and making mistakes. It does not necessarily draw us closer to You but can lead us in a direction away from Your heart. Lord, give us the discernment to use wisdom wisely, to seek Your counsel above all else before making decisions and to ensure that what we decide is in Your will and according to Your Word. Amen.