Based on Scripture, I tried to imagine how King Solomon might have
summed up his life in six words. As a young man, he could have written: God
has given me great wisdom. But in his later years, he might have said: Should
have practiced what I preached.
During a reign distinguished by peace and prosperity, Solomon developed
spiritual heart problems. When he was old, “his wives turned his heart after
other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart
of his father David” (1 Kings 11:4). The result was God’s displeasure and a sad end
to a previously exemplary life (v.9).
The multiple times Solomon used the word vanity (or meaningless)
in Ecclesiastes may indicate his disillusionment about life. This once-wise
king who had it all, lost it all, and pondered it all, ended the book with this
final conclusion: “Fear God and keep His commandments” (12:13).
Those are six words worth heeding.
Obedience to God is the key to a life of blessing. (RBC)
