Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.
Summary: The history of Israel is a tragedy of sorts. So much potential was given to the Israelites and they squandered the gift God gave them.
The more I get to know Solomon as a person, the more I feel sorry for him. Solomon was a man who had everything and at the same time had nothing.
What do I mean by this crazy statement? Well, if you give me three minutes, I’ll tell you.
The history of the kingship of Israel is a sordid one. In a way, it is the story of Israel’s rejection of God as her king (1 Samuel 10:19). Saul, the first king chosen by God over Israel was unfaithful and spiritually weak. Even though he was a “head taller” (1 Samuel 9:2) than all the other Israelites, in his heart he was a fearful little man haunted by insecurity.
When David is anointed to be king, Saul is still sitting in the throne. Saul’s main concern is not submitting to God’s will, but instead he is obsessed with the idea of ensuring his family retains the kingship. But David is patient, faithful to God, and respectful of the king. He waits, and eventually Saul is killed in battle and David is made king; first of Judah and eventually over all Israel.
David’s life is marked by a dependance on God that is unmatched. As a shepherd boy, David is the wall between the sheep and the wild animals who prey on them. David’s strength comes from the Lord. When Goliath is taunting the Israelites, David becomes indignant. Not on behalf of the king, but on behalf of the Lord whom he sees Goliath insult.
Throughout David’s life, he depends on the Lord. Time and again David seeks guidance from God. Except in the one matter of Bathsheba and Uriah, David does not stray from the God who was with him while he shepherded sheep.
Solomon was never a shepherd.
He was born to David after he was well established as king in Jerusalem. He was raised in a palace and accorded special privileges. He was respected and feared, not because of his accomplishments, but because of his father’s accomplishments and position.
Solomon had accomplished nothing on his own. His relationship to God was secondhand. All around him was power and security, not from God but from the success God had given his father, David.
Solomon is famous because God gave him everything he had (1 Kings 3: 12-13). Then God said, “And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” (1 Kings 3:14) Sadly, he did not keep God’s decrees and commands.
As wise as Solomon was, his wisdom was no match for his ego and his appetite. His love of foreign women was his undoing and consequently the undoing of Israel. Ultimately, he brought ruin on the family of Israel and the wind that they inherited was exile. His son, Rehoboam became the first fool in a long line of foolish kings. In a very real sense, many of these kings became the servants of those who were wiser than they.
Application: Remember that your words and deeds reflect not only on you but on the legacy you leave behind.
Food for Thought: Why does a fool become a servant to the wise?
Why does a fool become a servant to the wise?
The scripture tells us this about fools and the wise:
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
In a broad sense, everything works towards God’s plan, whether we want it to or not. The wise look to God for their wisdom, and if they follow God’s plan and listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading, they will be given the resources (time, material) needed to accomplish God’s plan, including anything that “fools” have (time, material).
In a narrower sense, a fool will make bad decisions based on self-interest and will only seek advice that follows that line of thinking. Everything they achieve will ultimately be taken from them.
Proverbs 14:15 “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
Proverbs 10:8 “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
Proverbs 15:12 “A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.”
Chris,
Thank you! I like your statement that “in a broad sense everything works towards God’s plan.” That is a good reminder in these crazy times we live in that even now, God’s plan is in force and as we are reminded in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.“
Excellent devotion brother.
And I agree with Chris. Since God is ultimately in control and is Sovereign as the rightful king, those who submit to Him as king will be exalted and those who do not will be humbled. It may not happen right away and in some cases it may not be seen in this lifetime, but the position of the wise who follow the Lord will be far superior to those who pursue the world rather than the Christ.
Rich,
Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂
And “Amen!” to your comment.
06-2702022, Proverbs 11:29, Why does a fool become a servant to the wise?
Joseph, the youngest son of Jacob, is a great example of one man living a life in faith, being honored by God as he became ruler over all of Egypt, and his older brothers. He received a double portion, twice that of any other son. The portion normally reserved for the eldest is given to the youngest.
God has made the wisdom of the world foolishness. Because th word in their wisdom, they do not come to know God, who is pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. Christ the power of God is the wisdom of God. There is no common ground.
1 Corinthians 1:20-25
Ron,
Thank you! You remind us that God’s Heaven and this world have different standards of “success.”
I am going to say because he needs a teacher. Maybe he needs a job. Maybe a little of both.
I never really looked at Solomon the way you laid it out for us here. At times I kind of feel sorry for the guy. He gets so scrutinized when all he was doing was instructing his many children in the way they should live.
But as you mentioned the Israelites stop listening to God so it makes sense now how the fool can become a servant of the wise.
Thanks for laying it all out here.
Thanks John!
You are absolutely right. He probably does need both job and teacher. Very few employers do both though. Your employees are very blessed whether they know it or not.