Wisdom means nothing if you’re going to be disobedient.
In 1 Kings 3:1–15, Solomon went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices to the Lord, presenting a thousand burnt offerings on the altar. That night, God appeared to him in a dream and invited Solomon to ask for anything he desired. Instead of riches, power, or long life, Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to govern God's people well. Pleased with his request, God not only granted him unparalleled wisdom, but also promised him wealth, honor, and long life—if he walked in obedience.
Later, in 1 Kings 4:29–34, we see how God’s promise was fulfilled. God blessed Solomon with unmatched wisdom, deep insight, and a vast understanding—so great it was described as measureless as the sand on the seashore. His wisdom surpassed that of all the people of the East and even the renowned wisdom of Egypt. Solomon was known throughout the nations, speaking thousands of proverbs and songs. He taught on everything from plant life to animals and the natural world. People from every nation, including kings, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon—wisdom that came directly from God.
Solomon was the wisest king to ever live, yet he became disobedient to God.
In Deuteronomy 7:3–4, the Lord had clearly instructed the Israelites not to intermarry with the surrounding nations. God knew that such unions would draw their hearts away from Him and toward the worship of false gods. This disobedience would provoke His anger and bring severe consequences.
Despite this command, Solomon loved many foreign women—women from nations the Lord had warned Israel to avoid. Though Solomon possessed divine wisdom, he clung to these women in love. He took 700 wives and 300 concubines, and as he grew older, they turned his heart away from God and led him into idol worship. Solomon built altars to false gods and did evil in the Lord’s sight. Though God had appeared to him twice and explicitly warned him, Solomon chose disobedience.
As a result, in 1 Kings 11:1–13, God declared that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon’s lineage. Out of honor for David, this would not happen during Solomon’s lifetime. His son would inherit only a portion of the kingdom, while the rest would be given to another. Eventually, Solomon’s son Rehoboam inherited the kingdom of Judah, while the northern tribes formed their own kingdom—Israel.
Solomon had more wisdom than any man could ask for—because he asked it of God. Yet, he ultimately did the very thing God told him not to do. Though God’s command wasn’t spoken directly to him, Solomon was still under the law because he was an Israelite. His disobedience cost him his legacy. If you read through 1 and 2 Kings, you’ll witness the ripple effects of this decision through the highs and lows of Israel and Judah’s kingdoms.
In his old age—the very time when biblical wisdom should be guiding every step—Solomon turned from God.
Wisdom without obedience is wasted wisdom.
We cannot claim to walk in spiritual insight if we choose to deviate from the One who gave us that insight. Solomon was able to settle difficult cases—like the dispute between two mothers claiming the same child—yet he fell because of the women he was never meant to marry. What have you allowed to illegally enter your life that has caused you to be disobedient to God?
We must remember to continually acknowledge God and follow Him. When we receive what we've prayed for, we cannot forget Him or misuse His blessings. Obedience to God is the ultimate expression of wisdom.
FINAL THOUGHT
Always remember to be obedient to God. Anything you receive from Him will be useless without obedience. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
How can we say we love God if we don’t obey Him?
Take inventory of your life. Are there any areas where you’ve been disobedient to God? Now is the time to fix it and make it right.
And as always, remember that I love you and I want you FREE IN CHRIST.
Peace and blessings.
