This chapter is full of do’s and don’ts. In verses 1-6, Solomon lists two positive don’ts. This chapter is written to his son. “My son, never forget the things I have taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions.” This is what every good father wants to tell his son. The problem is how a young man sees his father.
Maybe Solomon was writing to his son, Reheboam; he is the only son we have a record of. Reheboam really messed up in his first important decision as king. When the ten tribes asked Reheboam to ease their tax burden, he had two groups of advisors to consult: his father’s advisors and a group of his younger friends. His father’s advisors told him to listen to the people and give them some tax relief while the younger men suggested he show them who was king.
Reheboam chose the advice of the younger men. The result was the ten tribes denounced the king and gave their allegiance to Jereboam, a leader of the working class. Solomon had tried to warn his son. “Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead trust and reverence the Lord. . .” Yet, this was God’s plan that He advised Solomon would happen. Yet in the account, we don’t see God’s intervention at all until Reheboam had summoned the army to repress the revolt when God sent a prophet to stop him.
We find another don’t in verses 11-12. “Young man, do not resent it when God chastens and corrects you, for His punishment is proof of His love. Just as a father punishes a son he delights in to make him better, so the Lord corrects you.” But why would God do that if you are trying to do His will and please Him? I asked that question for twenty years as I wandered in my own wilderness.
The next don’t comes in verses 21-26. Solomon said, “Have two goals: wisdom – that is knowing and doing right – and common sense. Don’t let them slip away, for they fill you with living energy and bring you honor and respect.”
The final don’ts come in rapid succession in verses 27-32. “Don’t withhold payment of your debts. Don’t say ‘some other time’ if you can pay now. Don’t plot against your neighbor. . .Don’t get into needless fights. Don’t envy violent men. Don’t copy their ways.
Finally in verses 33-35, Solomon gives us the reason we should follow these don’ts. It is because the reward for right or wrong choices is unseen at the beginning. We may see some results in our lifetime, but the ultimate outcome we experience only when we die.