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My friend and I also discussed how quickly the united Israel fell apart as a result of Solomon's disobedience. He inherited the throne at 15 years old, took 20 years to build the temple and palace, and Israel had peace with their neighbors on all sides. Once Solomon strayed from God, "...the...

We've already touched on Solomon and his "foreign women" leading their willing captive into idolatry, and here's what happened as a result: 1 Kings 11:4-10 New King James Version 4 For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not...

1 Kings 9: 1-9 New King James Version God’s Second Appearance to Solomon 1 And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he wanted to do, 2 that the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had...

I finished reading the accounts of Solomon's kingship in I Kings chapters 1-11 and II Chronicles chapters 1-9, and there isn't a great deal of detail given on the 2nd half of his 40 year reign over a united Israel. Seven of the nine chapters of Chronicles cover the first 20 years that...

I like Bible Gateway's subtitle to this section of Ecclesiastes, and Solomon certainly has a lot to say on this topic: Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 New King James Version 4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the...

Ecclesiastes 4 has a pessimistic tone, yet there are some good things to consider as well: Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 New King James Version The Uselessness of Selfish Toil 4 Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, But they...

Going back to Psalm 37, David says: But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (v. 11) James joins in on this conversation and has a lot to say about meekness, humility, and the importance of being a good listener. "So then my beloved...

For the balance of chapter 3 in Ecclesiastes, Solomon turns has attention and monologue to death: Ecclesiastes 3:18-22 New King James Version 18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” 19 For...

My wife and I were watching some old Midnight Specials last Friday night, and they had some dynamite talent on that show. I remember when I was in my early twenties, I fell in love with "power ballads" and easy rock love songs. I had a longing for love (I know...barf), and I just had that hope...

Yes, brother, we see, experience, and understand what God is doing for us now and what his eternal plans are for us in the future. It appears Solomon didn't have that type of relationship where we walk by faith that God has our best interests at heart and loves us deeply. We love Him in return...

The remainder of chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes is great commentary on the beautiful poem he composed in verses 1-8. I'm not so sure about his theology and the state of his relationship with God, though. Ecclesiastes was composed later in life, and Solomon reflects back on what he's experienced and...

Look at the first example Solomon gives "to everything there is a season...A time to be born, And a time to die." Mortality can be a sobering foe to face, especially as we get older. Skipping ahead in James, James 4:13-14 New King James Version Do Not Boast About Tomorrow 13 Come now, you...

The verses you shared answer the question, what is wisdom from a Christian point of view? "Christ...the wisdom of God."

I love the Byrds' rendition of Solomon's lyrics. David Crosby participates in the performance below:

Mourning and sorrow can well up some inspiring creativity as Solomon illustrates in one of my favorite poems, Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8: To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is...

I like how Solomon ends the section that is captured at the end of Chapter 2, and it ties in nicely with some of James' thoughts, too: Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 New King James Version 24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his...

Whatever criticisms there are towards Solomon, at least he was honest. He expresses a lot of frustration in chapter 2 of Ecclesiastes that his efforts to live a "good life" and lead the kingdom responsibly did not yield the fulfillment he craved. He enjoyed pleasure, laughter, wine, and made his...

These are great verses, brother. We really messed up the opportunity God gave us in the Promised Land of the OT, and Jerusalem at the height of its grandeur was one of the most beautiful cities in history. It's still a remarkable place, and every time I hear the word, Jerusalem, and see it on...

Temptations are everywhere. Even as Christians (or at least this Christian), there are many forbidden fruits out there that tempt us. While they may be visually appealing or sweet to the taste, they become as bitter as wormwood and can easily ensnare us and lead us away from God. The further we...

"...spiritual wisdom and understanding..." Amen!