Solomon's Wisdom and Folly
OUR lessons of the week open with the accession of King Solomon to the throne of Israel, and the checking of the ambitions of the aspiring Adonijah. It brings regret to us that the old warrior Joab, who had stood so true in all other trials of David's life, now followed Adonijah. He seems to have felt his sentence just after the custom of those days, but the place of his death shows his belief in Jehovah. THERE is no human comprehension of what God will do with men if wholly yielded to Him. Solomon's wisdom was God-given. It is a sad story that he allowed his lusts to lead him astray. His wisdom and glory were recognized by contemporary peoples. He was a great statesman, a sage, a noted author and poet, a mighty builder, and a renowned scientist; but his power and wisdom were sapped by luxury and lust. Had he used his wonderful wisdom for God throughout his reign, he would not have left a weak and vacillating son to reign over Israel, and the division would not have taken place.