We can be smart and still make dumb choices

If God spoke to you and said, “Ask me for anything and I will give it to you.” What would you ask for?

A survey of several people produced these responses. One middle age man stated, “A new red Ferrari!” A bewildered parent declared, “A long vacation without kids.” Still others dreamed of a cottage by the sea, a new boat, the safety of a loved one, a miraculous healing, winning the lottery, peace on earth.

When God made this same offer to Solomon, the Almighty was pleased because Solomon did not ask for riches; he did not ask for a long life; he did not ask the Lord to destroy his enemies. He asked for an understanding heart and wisdom so that he might lead and judge his people.

God was so pleased with Solomon that he said: “Because you asked for understanding so that you may know what is right – I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now and after you there will come no one to equal you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you.” (I Kings 3:12-14)

Of course, we all know how Solomon turned out – wiser than any other scholar and philosopher of his day.

We all remember the story when the two mothers came to him both claiming ownership of a baby. (One mother had experienced a crib death.) Since there were no DNA tests in those days, Solomon told the attendant to cut the baby in half and give half to each. When the real mother objected and the pseudo mother went along with the plan, Solomon knew who was the baby’s real mom.

When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s wisdom and fame, she came to test him with hard questions.

“Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her.” (1 King 10:3) He so impressed her with his wisdom that “she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones.” (1 Kings 10:10)

Nevertheless, very smart men can still make very dumb choices and Solomon made his share. For example, to honor the Lord he built a lavish temple that took seven long years to complete. Then he spent 13 years building his own palace. Something is wrong with this picture. He had to use forced labor and levied taxes to support these projects.

The worst thing he did involved his many marriages. To keep his kingdom in peace, he married 700 wives, mostly princess of nearby kingdoms. These were not romantic, sexual relationships; they were “foreign trophy wives” that added to Solomon’s fame.

However, these foreign wives worshipped alien gods. Solomon built shrines so they could worship their idols, which goes against God’s commandment. The First Commandment is very explicit, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” (Exodus 20:3-4)

As smart as we are, we have probably made some dumb choices in our lifetime. When we realize the stupidity of our actions, we can ask God for forgiveness. Canadian author, Aiden Nowlan, once said, “The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.”

The fool loves foolishness. Only the wise seek wisdom.