Thursday, May 25, 2017

Growing Old In Godly Wisdom

Today’s Bible Reading:  1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:
Topic: Wisdom



SCRIPTURE:  1 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…  (1 Kings 11:4 NIV)


OBSERVATION:

It is generally accepted that as we grow older we gain in wisdom. With more years comes the accumulation of more life experiences from which more lessons are learned. Such does not seem to be the case for Solomon. As a young man succeeding his father David as king of Israel, Solomon asked the Lord for an understanding heart to judge and to discern between good and evil. God was so pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom rather than riches or long life or power over enemies, that he became not only the wisest leader in the world, but he was also blessed with unimaginable wealth as well as a long life. It seems odd that someone so wise at a young age, instead of growing wiser as he aged actually grew to be foolish in old age. He allowed his heart to be turned away from God who had granted him everything. Solomon became a wise leader because he himself was led by God. But the older he grew, his love for God first and foremost changed to a love for women. Instead of being led by God he grew to be led by his hundreds of wives and concubines—not smart.        


APPLICATION:                                        

I feel as if I have gained more and more wisdom over my lifetime. Yet I realize, not just from the example of Solomon above, but from my own observances, that just because one is older is no guarantee of wisdom or sound judgment. The older I get I hope to gain wisdom, but knowledge is gained by diligent study and being well read, not merely the passage of time; and wisdom—wisdom good and true—godly wisdom—comes from God. The lesson for me is that as I grow old I must not become lazy in my personal relationship with God. Just as my love for my wife grows daily because I cherish her and spend time with her and give myself to her, I must continue to maintain and grow in relationship with my God.          


PRAYER:

My Lord and my God, I love and worship You; may I give myself to You daily. May I increase in God-given wisdom that I may be an instrument in Your hands to dispense such wisdom to all whom You have called me to reach in Your name. Through Christ. Amen.  –AP

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