Every church should spend whatever time it takes to teach their teenagers the writings and history of Solomon. In doing so, we may prevent our young people from falling for the ungodly teachings of the world. Solomon wrote, “Stop listening to teaching that contradicts what you know is right.” (Verse 27). So why are so many of our young people falling away from the church? Maybe it is because we are not teaching them what they need to know.
Solomon gave a word of warning in verse 3. “A man may ruin his chances by his own foolishness and then blame it on the Lord.” We may have desires to do something constructive but timing can mean success or failure. Harry S. Truman tried to start three businesses, but each one failed. Then he got into politics and became President in 1945 when Roosevelt died. (Refer to verse 15:22.)
In verse 8, Solomon wrote, “He who loves wisdom loves his own best interest and will be a success.” A well-known businessman was once asked, ‘You have become great at making good decisions; how did you do it?’ His response was – ‘by making bad decisions.’ (That is the essence of what he said.) Some people experience business failure because they chose the wrong location to start it; it is as simple as things like that.
Solomon also wrote, “A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit.” (Verse 11). There isn’t much we can do about an employer or boss who explodes at us; we need to respond in a calm manner and find a way to keep the situation from getting worse. But if we are the employer or boss and have an employee who does something wrong, we need to correct him or her in private and in a calm manner even if we have to discipline or fire that person.
“A father can give his sons homes and riches, but only the Lord can give them understanding wives.” (Verse 14)
“When you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord – and He pays wonderful interest on your loan.” (Verse 17). Solomon was thinking of God’s command to Israel that they were not to charge interest on loans to other Israelites. But this verse causes us to think beyond that.
Solomon continues his thoughts in verses 18, 20, 22, and 23.
- Discipline your son in his early years while there is hope.
- Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life.
- Kindness makes a man attractive.
- Reverence for God gives life, happiness, and protection from harm.