Royalty and Ruin

Solomon’s Brilliant Success

For many years Solomon maintained a clear devotion to God and strict obedience to His commands. He managed the kingdom’s business matters wisely. The magnificent buildings and public works that he constructed during the early years of his reign, the piety, justice, and spirit of generous grace that he revealed in word and deed, won the loyalty of his subjects and the admiration of the rulers of many lands. For a time Israel was like a light to the world, displaying to others the greatness of Jehovah. RR 13.1

As the years went by and Solomon’s fame increased, he did his best to honor God by adding to his mental and spiritual strength and by continuing to share with others the blessings he received. He understood fully that these gifts were granted him so that he might give to the world a knowledge of the King of kings. RR 13.2

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. RR 13.3

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. RR 13.4

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. RR 13.5

“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. RR 13.6

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! RR 13.7