As Solomon grew old . . . his heart
was not fully devoted to the Lord.
—1 Kings 11:4
Solomon, the third and last king of the united kingdom of Israel, launched his administration by asking God for “an understanding heart to discern between good and evil” (1 Kgs 3:7, 9). Strong start.
His wisdom became legendary; his wealth breathtaking. Best of all, he built the Temple of God and dedicated it with solemn ceremony.
Unfortunately, his building projects didn’t stop with the Temple: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods,” and he built shrines for those pagan deities.
At his death, Solomon left behind a confused kingdom, soon to split into two, at war with each other.
As we age, one of two things happens: we grow sweeter as the years go by . . . or . . .
Let nothing get in the way of a strong finish.