Even the Wise Can Be Fools
Today’s scripture selection: First Kings 10-13
Key verse: First Kings 11:4
“As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.”
Nobody’s perfect.
That old adage is proven to be true time and again – and the Bible is full of stories which illustrate this.
Solomon has the reputation of being the wisest man who ever lived. And yet, he was human. And that says it all. As he grew close to wives from other nations, followers of other gods; they “turned his heart” away from the one true God.
But, though he might have tried, he couldn’t just blame his spiritual infidelity on them.
We must all ultimately take responsibility for our choices.
Eventually, a high price would be paid by all.
So it is with our lives – and our potential choices.
As we go about our spiritual walk, we must remain keenly aware that there are many “gods” out there – vying for our attention. They may not be named Ashtoreth, or Molek, or Chemosh – the ancient gods of Israel’s neighbors – but they are real nonetheless.
Our work; our desire for power or possessions; our relationships; even our own self-image…these can all become “gods” that draw us away from our covenant with God.
It’s a sad fact – even the wisest among us can become fools. So remember Solomon – his wise – and his foolish choices.
It can make all the difference in the world between joy and sorrow; life and death.
Prayer: Father, may I always keep my eyes on you and not the idols of the world. AMEN.
