Bible Talks

WE WERE noticing that the king must not multiply horses to himself. Now he is told that he must not "multiply wives to himself," for they would turn his heart away from the Lord. We are never wiser than God. This is the very snare that Solomon, the wisest of men, fell into. Not only did it bring shame on God but misery on the king and his people as well.
Well had it been for Solomon had he cleaved to the Lord, but alas, he fell, for he loved many strange women, which turned his heart away, and he went after their gods and built high places for them. God raised up adversaries against Solomon, and sought to bring Solomon back to Himself, but he did not repent. And God did not prolong his days for he was only about 58 years of age when he died.
"Neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold." This is another snare, for Scripture says, "The love of money is [a] root of all evil." 1 Tim. 6:1010For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10). How many have been turned aside from following the Lord through the deceitfulness of riches. It is an age-old common thought that if one could have all the money he wanted it would bring perfect happiness. But this is an illusion, a mirage of the desert. The fact is, as some one has said, "Money can purchase most anything but happiness, and is a passport to anywhere but heaven."
How sad that Solomon the king did not heed the word of the Lord. He sought all these forbidden things. He had his navy of ships which brought him riches, he increased his chariots and horsemen and brought up horses out of Egypt, and he had his multitude of wives. He tells us that he tried everything under the sun, but had to declare that it was only vanity and vexation of spirit. The Lord said that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like the simple little lily of the field. Dear young friends, to go on quietly with the Lord who has promised to supply all our need according to His riches in glory, is the real secret of happiness. It says of Enoch that "he walked with God" 365 years, and then the Lord took him home. What a reward!
Furthermore, when the king sat on his throne he was to write out a copy of the law of God; "and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them."
He must make a copy of the word of God to acquaint himself with it right from the beginning, for of all those in his kingdom he ought to be the most careful of God's honor. The king who ruled over the people ought to be God's servant, keeping His word, and showing an example to all his subjects.
Another reason why he was to write out the law was to keep him from pride. "that his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel."
God hates pride, and it is native to our hearts. But if we are faithful in reading the Word and in prayer each day it will help keep us humble and we will enjoy the Lord's companionship as we journey on to our heavenly home.
Memory Verse
"WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRIT-
TEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST
INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE." Rev. 20:1515And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
Messages of the Love of God 6/1/1975