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The Voice of Experience, July 10
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the
days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of
thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee
into judgment.
Ecclesiastes 11:9
.
The lesson to be learned from the life of Solomon has a special moral bearing
upon the life of the aged, of those who are no longer climbing the mountain
but are descending and facing the western sun. We expect to see defects in the
characters of youth who are not controlled by love and faith in Jesus Christ. We
see youth wavering between right and wrong, vacillating between fixed principle
and the almost overpowering current of evil that is bearing them off their feet
to ruin. But of those of mature age we expect better things. We look for the
character to be established, for principles to be rooted, and for them to be beyond
the danger of pollution. But the case of Solomon is before us as a beacon of
warning. When thou, aged pilgrim who hast fought the battles of life, thinkest
that thou standest take heed lest thou fall. How, in Solomon’s case, was weak,
vacillating character, naturally bold, firm, and determined, shaken like a reed in
the wind under the tempter’s power! How was an old gnarled cedar of Lebanon,
a sturdy oak of Bashan, bent before the blast of temptation! What a lesson for all
who desire to save their souls to watch unto prayer continually! What a warning
to keep the grace of Christ ever in their heart, to battle with inward corruptions
and outward temptations
Let none venture into sin as he did, in the hope that they too may recover
themselves. Sin can be indulged only at the peril of infinite loss. But none who
have fallen need give themselves up to despair. Aged men, once honored of God,
may have defiled their souls, sacrificing virtue on the altar of lust; but there is
still hope for them if they repent, forsake sin, and turn to God.
The misapplication of noble talents in Solomon’s case should be a warning
to all. Goodness alone is true greatness
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23
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1031, 1032
.
24
Letter 8
b, 1891.
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