Thank you for reading, Alice. It’s tempting to read or listen to Solomon’s words and think of a kindly, stentorian old man speaking knowingly, at ease. But take into account Solomon’s advanced age when he recorded these and it takes on a frantic tone when contrasted with the lack of Godly wisdom shown by his son Rehoboam when he became king. Rehoboam listened to his hangers-on, his entourage of yes men who attached themselves to him. In a way, they were the only reliable “family” he had. With so many hundreds of wives and concubines and projects Solomon was surely an absentee father. This book may represent his last, desperate attempt to instruct a son of his now that he can see how neglectful he was and the wrong path down which he was headed (in Rehoboam’s case). I wonder if Rehoboam ever even heard or read the words as he never listened to his father’s advisors. Thank God, though, they are so edifying to us.
Merry Christmas, Alice, and to all in this community.
It always sounds like you're talking to your own son whenever it comes up. Lucky boy, to have his mother speaking blessings into his life
I'm impressed that you chose Proverbs. One of the two books of the Bible with a blessing attached to reading it. IMO it's far too neglected in the Western Church, parts of which focus on silver and gold, when there is wisdom and understanding to be found.
Thank you for reading, Alice. It’s tempting to read or listen to Solomon’s words and think of a kindly, stentorian old man speaking knowingly, at ease. But take into account Solomon’s advanced age when he recorded these and it takes on a frantic tone when contrasted with the lack of Godly wisdom shown by his son Rehoboam when he became king. Rehoboam listened to his hangers-on, his entourage of yes men who attached themselves to him. In a way, they were the only reliable “family” he had. With so many hundreds of wives and concubines and projects Solomon was surely an absentee father. This book may represent his last, desperate attempt to instruct a son of his now that he can see how neglectful he was and the wrong path down which he was headed (in Rehoboam’s case). I wonder if Rehoboam ever even heard or read the words as he never listened to his father’s advisors. Thank God, though, they are so edifying to us.
Merry Christmas, Alice, and to all in this community.
It always sounds like you're talking to your own son whenever it comes up. Lucky boy, to have his mother speaking blessings into his life
I'm impressed that you chose Proverbs. One of the two books of the Bible with a blessing attached to reading it. IMO it's far too neglected in the Western Church, parts of which focus on silver and gold, when there is wisdom and understanding to be found.
What’s the other book?
Revelation