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Solomon’s Spectacular Beginning
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understood fully that these gifts were granted him so that he might
give to the world a knowledge of the King of kings.
Solomon took a special interest in natural history. Through a
diligent study of all created things, both living and non-living, he
gained a clear concept of the Creator. In the forces of nature, in the
mineral and animal world, and in every tree, shrub, and flower, he
saw a revelation of God’s wisdom; and his knowledge of God and
his love for Him constantly increased.
Solomon’s inspired wisdom found expression in songs and in
many proverbs. “He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs
were one thousand and five. Also he spoke of trees, from the cedar
tree of Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he
spoke also of animals, of birds, of creeping things, and of fish.”
1
Kings 4:32, 33
.
The proverbs outline principles of holy living and high ambition.
Solomon spread these principles far and wide while recognizing
God as the One to whom all praise and honor belong. This made
Solomon’s early reign a time of moral uplift as well as of material
prosperity.
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom,” he wrote, “and the man
who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits
of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than
rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor.”
Proverbs 3:13-16
. “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and
arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”
Proverbs
8:13
.
If only Solomon in his later years had heeded these wonderful
words of wisdom! He who had taught the kings of the earth to offer
praise to the King of kings, in “pride and arrogance” took to himself
the glory due to God alone!
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