I was preparing to watch Gideon for a few hours. He had a long week because work kept Mamma away for two days. He loved having her all to himself on her day off.
This was day two of “Weekend to Remember” which both Mamma and Daddy attended. He was having fun with his Grandmas but he missed them.
King Solomon gave me advice for his time with us.
Proverbs 15:30, “A bright look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the body.” New English Translation
I greeted him with a bright smile and a hug. I sent him down the hall for a surprise – Grandpa had the day off! They played catch, got the mail, and filled the bird feeder.
I got out my doll and her accessories. He practiced being a big brother. He was all smiles when his “Amma” picked him up.
You can learn a lot from Solomon.
Seek God First
1 Kings 3:4, “The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for it had the most prominent of the high places. Solomon would offer up 1,000 burnt sacrifices on the altar there.” NET
Solomon offered sacrifices at high places and he continued to do so after the temple was built. Was he hoping God would reappear in a dream again?
The tree line is one of the high places where sacrifices were made. This one was on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
He Knew Right from Wrong
1 Kings 3:9, “So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise, no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours.” NET
He was tested with his first case.
1 Kings 3:16, “Then two prostitutes came to the king…” NET
This case was for two women no one cared about. They were used, abused, and cast aside. No one stood with them. The baby was illegitimate; no one cared for it, except his mother, v. 27.
He Learned About Marital Love
Song of Solomon 3:4, “Scarcely had I passed them by when I found my beloved! I held onto him tightly and would not let him go until I brought him to my mother’s house, to the bedroom chamber of the one who conceived me.” NET
“…watch as she finds him and fills with joy but then warns herself against letting love move too quickly. Feel the tension of wanting more but slowing things down. …”
New English Translation note on Song of Solomon 3:1-11
***
Song of Solomon 5:6, “I opened for my beloved, but my lover had already turned and gone away. I fell into despair when he departed. I looked for him but did not find him; I called him but he did not answer me.” NET
“Does it comfort you to know that love doesn’t always proceed without problems? …Spend time reflecting on the truth that Jesus is the reconciler of relationships and He has called us to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).”
NET notes on Song of Solomon 5:2-8
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Song of Solomon 7:10, “I am my beloved’s and he desires me!” NET
“Total commitment is the foundation of love, protecting it so it can grow into the level of delight expressed in this chapter.”
NET note on Song of Solomon 7:1-13
***
He Wrote It Down
1 Kings 4:32-33, “He composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. 33) He produced manuals on botany, describing every kind of plant, from the cedars of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows on the walls. He also produced manuals on biology, describing animals, birds, insects, and fish.” NET
Some of Solomon’s Proverbs
Proverbs 3:1-2, “My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2) for they will provide a long and full life, and well-being for you.” NET
- Mercy and truth bring favor and good understanding, 3:4-5.
- Trusting and acknowledging God makes your path straight, 3:6.
- Being humble, revering God, and turning from evil brings healing for your body and refreshment for your soul, 3:7-8.
- Honoring the Lord from your wealth brings a full barn and vats overflowing with wine, 3:9-10.
Wisdom and Understanding:
- Are more precious than gold or silver, 3:14.
- Are more precious than rubies or anything you desire, 3:15; 8:11.
- Bring long life, riches, and honor, 3:16; 4:10; 8:18.
- Brings pleasant and peaceful paths, security with no stumbling, 3:17, 23; 4:12; 8:20.
- Are like a tree of life, bringing blessing, 3:18.
- Established the foundations of the earth and the heavens, 3:19.
- Brings pleasant sleep without fear, 3:24.
- Protects and guards you, 4:6.
What Obstacles Do I Need to Remove in My Daily Steps?
Proverbs 4:26, “Make the path of your feet level, so that all your ways may be established.” NET
Proverbs 7:1, “My child, devote yourself to my words and store up my commands inside yourself.” NET
Proverbs 11:4, “Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” NET
Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” NET
Proverbs 16:23, “A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds persuasiveness to his words.” NET
I can remove distractions, devote myself to His words and commandments, seek righteousness, give a gentle response, and store wisdom in my heart.
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