Sunday, June 8, 2014

My Son Proverb 27



My son  (March ’09)

       The last occurrence of (22) occurrences of ‘My son’ from the pen of Solomon echoes a familiar theme:
“My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproaches me.”
(Proverb 27:11)

     This somewhat simple command from father to son “Be wise” doesn’t appear to hold a lot of instruction. However, if all of the other (21) “My son” occurrences were summarized, this single command from Solomon would cover them all.

     But, here Solomon gives two reasons for commanding his son with this repeated reminder:
1.      Make my heart glad
2.      That I may answer him that reproaches me

Not only will the wisdom of Solomon’s son bring him a joyful heart, but his son’s wisdom will give
Solomon the ability to reply with a positive illustration to anyone who desires to bring reproach upon the life of Solomon for he has raised a son who demonstrates wisdom in his overall lifestyle.

     Although this is the last ‘My son from Solomon, there is one more occurrence of ‘My son’ in the book of Proverbs that was not authored by Solomon:
“The words of king Lemuel [Solomon], the prophecy that his mother [Bathsheeba] taught him. What my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows?(Proverb 31:1, 2) 

     In the next seven verses Bathsheeba gives Solomon some very good advice concerning his conduct now that he has become king after his father David’s death:
1.      Give not thy strength unto women nor thy ways to that which destroys kings
2.      It is not for kings to drink wine: nor for princes strong drink
3.      Open thy mouth for the dumb…Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy

The very first thing Bathsheeba warned Solomon about was not heeded, for Solomon allowed
himself to be greatly effected by the multitude of women that he brought into his life:
“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites. Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come into you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.” (I Kings 11:1-3)

     This chapter, I Kings 11, has forty-three verses recording the downfall of Solomon and the effect it had upon the whole nation of Israel. If he had listened to just this one command from his mother’s lips he would not have suffered the destructive consequences recorded in this lengthy chapter.

     Because he disobeyed this one command:
1.      His many wives turned away his heart (v.4)
2.      He went after the strange gods of his many wives (v.5, 6)
3.      He built high places and worshiped these strange gods (v.7, 8)

The LORD responded by:
1.      Taking the kingdom from Solomon (v.12, 13)
2.      Sending adversaries to Solomon (v.14-31)
3.      Afflicting the seed of David (v.39)

     Listening to what our parents tell us is vital to obeying the Lord for they stand in the place of the Lord as our authority and guide and instructor. Honoring father and mother is a command that never ends regardless of our age or position in life. If Solomon had honored his mother in this case it would have saved the kingdom from suffering great loss!


Chaplain LEWolfe  www.btmi.org  I-85 Exit 35 SC   McPilot    Stop in, and please pray for our ministry!

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