The reciprocating dialogue between Solomon and the Shulamite display love’s ability to consume the thoughts and desires of two young lovers. Their obvious passions inspire expressions and devotion that fulfill the need for a meaningful bond between man and woman.

Yet we also know Solomon had hundreds of wives and concubines erasing our respect for his self control regarding sexual fulfillment. Was he truly in love?

The Apostle Paul states that men who are qualified for spiritual oversight over God’s people must be the husband of only one wife. Does this eliminate Solomon’s validity as a role model for Christian men? Yes. If he would have kept control of his passions and remained with the wife of his youth, his kingdom and legacy would probably have been much more honorable.

True love is faithful.

READ/LISTEN: Song of Songs 5-8

Song of Songs is a love story written by Solomon which models the creative power of loving, descriptive words.

In a relationship, words become the currency that either maintains and fuels attraction, or erodes and diminishes compatibility. Words can make or break you.

One of the jokes at my Uncle Bob’s funeral was that he didn’t put much stock in flowery word expressions to his wife. The phrase summarizing his lack of amorous talk was, “Look, I told you when I married you that I love you, and if anything changes I will let you know.”

He could make a mean batch of homemade egg noodles, though.

READ/LISTEN: Song of Songs 1-4

Solomon recorded much of his wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes. Chapter 12 presents a summary on the process of aging, culminating with the profound statement, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

What do the aged have to contribute? Surely their value is not in their physical strength. Their bodies are worn out and have seen better days. Their contribution comes in their experience and wisdom gained from the crucible of life’s tragedies and rewards.

Even when they know life’s critical answers, their advice is too often not heeded. Hence, their best contribution may be found in their prayers.

The new broom sweeps clean, but the old broom knows where the dirt is.

READ/LISTEN: Ecc. 11,12

P.S.  My favorite song right now is “Finish Well” by Karen Peck and New River. Do a Google search and listen to it on Youtube. It will bless you.

Ambition can take an ugly form when it displays a personal lust for power … think Hitler.

“There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt.” [Ecc. 8:9b]

Jesus taught and modeled humility. He spoke of a feast where guests vied for the best, most prominent seats, but were humbled by being requested to sit at a lower position. To summarize, He said, “All those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” [Luke 14:11]

Honor, authority, and respect must be earned and never demanded.

READ/LISTEN: Ecc. 7-10

Solomon was the wealthiest man on earth, yet he cautioned that it was a big mistake to love money. The reason … those who love it can never get enough. When they have all their needs met, what is there to do with it but just look at it.

Sadly, they can gain the whole world but lose their own soul. Then, they will have gathered their money in vain.

For the Christian, the more money they have means they will be more accountable as a steward. It’s for that reason that God watches what we do with each dollar. When we use it wisely, He will give us more. When we don’t, He will give it to those who will be good stewards.

Be content with what you have. Use it wisely.

READ/LISTEN: Ecc. 4-6

King Solomon discovered through experience that all his pursuits were meaningless and vain. He termed his journey as being “Under the sun.”

No doubt there were satisfactions he achieved but his summary of the end result left him empty.

Whereas, if you live “Under the Son-of-God,” if you live a life that is Spirit-led, you will find fulfillment. Jesus called it dying to self.

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone. But if it does, it brings forth fruit.” “If a man loses his life for My sake, he will find it.”

You can never go wrong when you give your life in service to others for the sake of Christ.

READ/LISTEN: Pr. 31; Ecclesiastes 1-3

1. Timing;  as soon after the offense happens so there can be direct association between the punishment and it’s consequence.
2. Get alone; retreat with the child to your bedroom or a private place so further embarrassment can be minimal.
3. Reflect grief; the child needs to see that your countenance is one of remorse over the offense.
4. Establish God as your authority; “Honey, God has given ME the responsibility to correct you when you disobey.”
5. Clearly identify the offense; “You are being punished because you hit your sister.”
6. Reaffirm your love; “I’m your daddy and I will always love you, even when I don’t love your behavior.”
7. Pray with them; while in prayer, the Holy Spirit will give you help in determining how painful the punishment needs to be, and you will cool down your emotions.
8. Apply the Rod of Correction to the Seat of Understanding; a 3/8 to 1/2 inch wooden stick works well and only applied to their bottom where they have plenty of nerve endings and flesh with little chance of injury. Your hands should not strike them as it comforts, supplies, and instructs them.
9. Immediately following the corrective measure, embrace them and reaffirm your love and expectation for their improved behavior.
10. It’s all over. They have paid the penalty and life is good once again.

These are effective steps in appropriately correcting children for disobedience.

Proverbs 29:17 offers a comforting promise to parents; “Correct your children, and you will be proud; they will give you satisfaction,”

My wife and I have found this to be TRUE. We followed a simple but profound formula for disciplining our children. It was effective.

Whereas, if you neglect to correct them when they are young and “correctable,” you may bring upon yourself deep regret and shameful suffering.

As a school administrator, I quickly discovered that students that commit an offense MUST receive negative consequences for their actions, or they will do it all over again, having learned nothing.

READ/LISTEN: Pr. 28-30

Voting was not a Biblical method of electing anyone or anything. God would use interesting ways of expressing His endorsement upon leaders ie. Aaron’s rod budded, David slew a giant, Noah was obedient to build an ark … the disciples were selected when they left their sinful ways and followed Christ Jesus into salvation.

Proverbs 25:5 instructs us to remove wicked officials from places of government service. We can do that through voting.

My personal litmus test is how candidates stand on abortion. If they can’t be trusted to protect unborn children in the womb, they can’t be trusted with ANYTHING.

READ/LISTEN: Pr. 25-27