Those who are deprived of wisdom don't even realize that their mouths will bring them destruction, and if they don't repent, they will continue in this state. A sad case occurred in King David's family after his death. Solomon, one of his sons, reigned with God's help and almost total wisdom. Because he didn't rule his heart by the Word, at the end of his days he deviated from the divine plan, marrying foreign women (1 Kings 11.1–8).

            Solomon didn't see anything unusual in his attitudes, going so far as to have 700 wives and 300 concubines. Why did he do this? How he didn't explain it, only God knows. However, this king forgot to prepare his son, Rehoboam, who reigned in his place. He was not yet mature enough, and, for lack of wisdom, he allowed the kingdom to split into two: the northern kingdom, made up of ten tribes, and the southern kingdom, made up of two, with which he remained. Watch and pray!

        Abijah, Rehoboam's son, who ruled in his place, defined his father like this: Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, rose up and rebelled against his lord. Then worthless rogues gathered to him; and strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and inexperienced and could not withstand them (2 Chronicles 13.6,7). This shows that a fool can destroy a nation.

          As for Solomon, the Lord said that he had heard him. As a result, he would be far greater in wisdom than the other kings of Israel: Behold, I have done according to your words; see I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you (1 Kings 3.12). However, Solomon's heart was corrupted because he didn't behave prudently towards women. How sad!

            Let this be a warning to those who lead the Lord's congregation! The devil will do his utmost to corrupt them, leading them into the same sin as Solomon. As one abyss calls to another abyss (Psalm 42:7), those who don't follow God's warnings will also give in to sin, and their end will be tragic. Jesus said, Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Revelation 3:11). The wise man with fear will not fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).

           If you need wisdom, ask the Lord for it. Otherwise, you'll get into trouble. The Word declares: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach him, and it will be given to him (James 1.5). Take this offering from the Most High, confess your need, and believe that He will grant you your petition. But remember to honor Him!

         Never make your tongue a snare for your soul by getting involved in matters that will harm you greatly. Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD (Jeremiah 17:5). Be humorous, faithful, and a true friend to those who live on the margins of life, and the Lord's blessings will reach you.

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares