The Creator Reveals Himself-To Our Benefit - Wise King Solomon and the Meaning of Life

David's son Solomon was renowned for his wisdom, and we can benefit from it by reading the very practical books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.  (1 Kings 10:23-25)  The latter book is especially helpful to people who are searching for meaning to their life, even as wise King Solomon did. As the first Israelite king born into a royal family, Solomon had vast possibilities before him. He also undertook majestic building projects, had foods of impressive variety on his table, and enjoyed music and the company of outstanding companions. Yet, he wrote: "I, even I, turned toward all the works of mine that my hands had done toward the hard work that I had worked hard to accomplish, and look! everything was vanity."  (Ecclesiastes 2:3-9, 11) To what did that point?

Solomon wrote:  "The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is:  Fear the true God and his commandments.  For this is the whole obligation of man.  For the true God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad."  (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14)  In line with that, Solomon engaged in a seven-year project of building a glorious temple, where people could worship God. -1 Kings, chapter 6.

For years Solomon's reign was marked by peace and abundance.  (1 Kings 4:20-25) Still, his heart did not prove to be as complete toward Jehovah as David's had been. Solomon took many wives and allowed them to incline his heart toward their gods. Jehovah finally said: "I shall without fail rip the kingdom away from off you . . . One tribe I shall give to your son, for the sake of David my servant, and for the sake of Jerusalem." -1 Kings 11:4, 11-13.

Next time: The Creator Reveals Himself-To Our Benefit - Part Three-The Kingdom Divided

From the book: Is There a Creator That Cares About You?