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Ok, this one is probably going to get me in trouble on a couple of levels:
1) The subject matter may be unacceptable here, although the subject matter runs rampant through the Bible.
2) The snarkiness/humor of my comment doesn’t have the reverence for a highly regarded biblical figure that many here may require.
But I’m going to fire away anyhow. Maybe the responses, considering the subject matter, should be limited to yes or no with little or no elaboration. Here goes:
I’m not big on proverbs or psalms, but as I was skimming through, I came across this proverb authored by Solomon.
Proverbs 5:1 to 5:23
Am I the only one thinking “Pfffft! Big talk from someone who has 600 wives and 300 mistresses.”?
Heh-heh. Well as you can see, I chickened out (probably wouldn't have had I read your response prior). But your response actually conveys the essence of my post in a much classier manner. And if folks are really curious, they can expand my original which you have pasted. So I'ma leave it as is if you don't mind. If you do mind, just wipe out my post I guess.There was snarkiness in your comment? Well, if there was I didn't sense it.
As for the disconnect between Solomon's life and his supposed "Double Portion" of Wisdom, I think your questions is a completely legit one. Solomon led a questionable life, spiritually and ethically, and it would be dubious of any of us to ignore this inconsistency and carry on and act if whatever lessons we can learn about Solomon ALL have to do with him being a 'model' of faith for us to emulate.
So, ask away, Hangig by a Thread! You shouldn't have anything to be ashamed of in bringing this known fact up for discussion.
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4) The Proverbs that Solomon wrote and compiled were meant especially for his son, who would be inheriting his power and privilege. A king -can- take any woman to be his wife, but that doesn't mean he should, at all.
Solomon learned a great deal from his mistakes. Wisdom is wonderful and I seek God for more regularly, especially at this time. However, wisdom without obedience is useless. Solomon lost the plot. He was maybe the first Consultant, charging for his wise advice. However, it brought him into contact with a lot of godless people, especially the ruling class. Some of the marriages were to cement alliances. Some wives he never actually met.Ok, this one is probably going to get me in trouble on a couple of levels:
After further review, I decided my original post was borderline acceptable here so I redacted.
Sorry, I'll do better next time.
Heh-heh. Well as you can see, I chickened out (probably wouldn't have had I read your response prior). But your response actually conveys the essence of my post in a much classier manner. And if folks are really curious, they can expand my original which you have pasted. So I'ma leave it as is if you don't mind. If you do mind, just wipe out my post I guess.
Thanks for the response 2PhiloVoid.
In fact, what we find is that the Old Testament writers end up blaming Solomon for having set Israel on a multi-generational path that eventually placed them into Exile and Captivity in Babylon.
So, let's not think Solomon was some kind of 'hero' of the faith or that God had somehow blessed him with a Hugh Hefner type of lifestyle. NO, nothing could be further from the truth and to think this would be grossly incorrect and faulty!
The OT points out at least one grave error that every king, including Hezekiah and Josiah, made that put them on the path to the Captivity.
Speaking of Solomon's flaws, even his vaunted great wealth was at the cost of heavy taxation of his people.
This may or may not seem relevant, but when I read this, I wondered and checked Hebrews 11,ALL of them have to do with him being a 'model' of faith for us to emulate.
Ok, this one is probably going to get me in trouble on a couple of levels:
After further review, I decided my original post was borderline acceptable here so I redacted.
Sorry, I'll do better next time.
heh-heh. I know, right? Wisdom of Solomon indeed. Dude set himself up with 3 years worth of one-nighters AND managed to be in good favor with God. How does a guy pull that one off? He's an ancestor, gets all that ink in the Bible, and on the occasion when God does get mad at him, God levies the penalty not on Solomon, but on future generation. Not a bad life, I'd say.If you want good advice about women, I'd say he'd be the one to know. ...
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3) Because Solomon had so many wives and concubines, one could consider him an authority on the pitfalls of marrying badly.
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