Thursday, October 17 – 1 Kings 11, Proverbs 30 – Prophets and Kings chapter 4, “Results of Transgression”

1. To whom did God give the kingdom due to Solomon’s reckless behavior? 1 King 11:29-38

2. What did Agur say about people who exalt themselves or devise evil? Proverbs 30:32, 33

3. What was the name of the adversary God raised up against Solomon? 1 Kings 11:23-25

Commentary and Reflection:

Sometimes, the wise are foolish, and the foolish are wise. Our reading plan for today takes us through 1 Kings 11 and Proverbs 30. In 1 Kings 11, we are confronted with the foolishness of the wisest man who ever lived—the revered King Solomon (1 Kings 3:10-12).

Solomon had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines (1 Kings 11:3). While intermarry between royals of nations States was customary, Solomon took it to another level. Furthermore, he cavorted with women whom God gave his people specific instructions to stay away from because they would lead them into idolatry.

The result: 1 Kings 11:4-6, “For it was so, when Solomon was old, that 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. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord, as did his father David.

Solomon’s heart was redirected from the God of Israel to the pagan gods, which angered the Lord God of Israel. Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant” (1 Kings 11:11).

“Solomon lost his connection with heaven and set Israel an example so misleading that God could not vindicate him. God broke His covenant with Solomon because Solomon was disloyal. Had Solomon heeded the instruction given him, God would have worked through him to reveal to the world His power and majesty (Letters and Manuscript 25, Ms. 1. 1912, par.6).”

While I’m confident many of us are familiar with Solomon, I would be hard-pressed to find anyone familiar with someone named Agur. Do not feel bad if you didn’t know; I didn’t either. It turns out he is the author of Proverbs 30. Regarding the uncertainty of who he is, the Seventh Day Adventist Bible Commentary states, “however, it is not necessary that we know through whom these inspired words were given.” SDABC, Proverbs 30:1

Proverbs 30 are the words of Agur (v1). Listen to how he describes himself in verses two and three. “Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One.” Apparently, not a man of wisdom, as Solomon was reputed to be.

Despite that less-than-flattering introduction, he offers some sublimely timeless wisdom. In his presentations, he seems to have an affinity for numbers. In verse seven, he requests two things. In verse 15, he highlights three never-satisfied realities and a fourth that never says “enough.” He uses the same terminology in verse 18: “Three things which are too wonderful for him and four which he doesn’t understand.”

Here, I’ll highlight the three things that are never satisfied and the fourth that never says “enough.” Agur lists them as the grave, the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water, and the fire that never says “enough” (Proverbs 30:16).” King Solomon could have been added to this list.

Agur’s humble wisdom led him to testify about the word of God and how God relates to those who trust in His word. Verses five and six of Proverbs 30: “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

In his humility, Agur characterized himself as one who lacks understanding (v2) and is not learned in wisdom (v3). However, the content of Proverbs 30 defies those claims. The humility and wisdom portrayed in Proverbs 30 are lacking in Solomon’s story in 1 Kings 11.

Beloved, as you go through your day, let your wisdom be seasoned with humility. Let your humility be reflected in living wisely for God.