Let Us Gain Wisdom from Solomon's Mistakes (Ecclesiastes 4:13)
Introduction:
1. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon recorded many words of wisdom. 2. This morning we covered his teaching on 4 important subjects, and we need to heed his words of wisdom. 3. In Ecclesiastes 4:13 Solomon made a comparison. a. He compared a poor and wise child to a foolish old king who refused to be admonished. b. He concluded that the poor and wise child was better. 4. This evening we are considering 3 mistakes made by Solomon that we read about in 1 Kings. 5. As we do so, "let us gain wisdom from Solomon's mistakes." 6. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. GOD GAVE SOME INSTRUCTIONS TO THE KINGS OF ISRAEL IN DEUTERONOMY 17:14-17
A. (vs.14-15) Moses told the Israelites about a future time when they would be ruled by a king. 1. The Israelites would want a king like the surrounding nations. 2. Only an Israelite would be permitted to serve as king. 3. Furthermore, God would choose the king. B. (vs.16-17) The king who would serve in the future was forbidden to do 3 things. 1. (vs.16) The king was forbidden to multiply horses to himself, especially from Egypt. 2. (vs.17a) The king was forbidden to multiply wives to himself. 3. (vs.17b) The king was forbidden to multiply silver and gold to himself. C. Eventually, the Israelites requested a king (1 Samuel 8). D. Saul was the first king, David followed Saul, and Solomon followed David. II. SOLOMON DISOBEYED THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT GOD GAVE IN DEUTERONOMY 17:14-17
A. Solomon multiplied horses to himself. 1. (1 Kings 4:26) "Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots." 2. (1 Kings 10:26) Solomon had many chariots and horsemen. 3. (1 Kings 10:28a) "Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt." B. Solomon multiplied to himself silver and gold. 1. (1 Kings 3:13) God had blessed Solomon with great riches. 2. However, Solomon taxed the people heavily, and he accumulated even greater riches (1 Kings 10:14-15, 21, 23). C. Solomon multiplied wives to himself (1 Kings 11:1-8). D. Solomon paid a high price for disobeying God (1 Kings 11:9-11). III. APPLICATION
A. We learn from Solomon's mistakes that God's will must be obeyed. 1. God had promised to bless Solomon if he would obey His will (1 Kings 3:14). 2. Unfortunately, Solomon disobeyed, and he paid a high price for doing so. 3. See Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 B. We also learn from Solomon's mistakes to beware of evil influence. 1. Consider 1 Corinthians 15:33 -- "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 2. Solomon's involvement with foreign women caused him to turn from God. a. Solomon loved his foreign wives, but they caused him to go after false gods. b. He went so far as to build places of worship for them. c. This is the same man that built the beautiful temple for Jehovah. Conclusion:
1. Solomon demonstrated great wisdom when he was a young man. 2. However, he went on to demonstrate great foolishness by disobeying God's will. 3. Let us learn from his mistakes and avoid them.
