Intro: The story that we are most familiar with in Solomon’s life is that of his asking for wisdom from God (I Kgs. 3:5-11). Not only did God grant Solomon’s request for wisdom but also gave him power, riches, fame, and prosperity. Solomon had all that a man could ask for in this life. But was he really happy after all?
I. THE BLESSINGS & ACHIEVEMENTS OF KING SOLOMON
A. He was the son of King David by Bathsheba.
B. He was charged of building a magnificent temple for God.
C. He had fame among the nations (I Kgs. 4:31).
D. He possessed expertise in many fields (I Kgs. 4:32-34).
E. He wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.
F. He was the richest and wisest king (I Kgs. 10:23, 27).
G. He had great military strength (I Kgs. 10:26).
II. THE TRAGEDIES & FAILURES OF KING SOLOMON
A. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines which turned away his heart after other gods (I Kgs. 11:1-4).
B. He concluded in the end that all that the world could offer was mere vanity and cannot satisfy a man (Eccl. 1:2).
C. He thought that his own wisdom could make him happy, but this was vanity (Eccl. 1:16-18).
D. He thought that pleasure and merriment could satisfy him, but this was vanity (Eccl. 2:1-2).
E. He thought that food and wine could please him, but this was vanity (Eccl. 2:3).
F. He thought that wealth could content him, but this was vanity (Eccl. 5:10).
G. In essence Solomon is saying to us, “I’ve done it all and there is only one thing that is constant and upon which you can depend your entire life.” “Fear God and keep his commandments?.” (Eccl. 12:13).
CONCLUSION: The wisdom that is from God is more valuable than the most precious substances on earth (Prov. 16:16). The life of Solomon is both of great accomplishment and great tragedy. Solomon’s life began with great purpose, but it was led astray and ultimately destroyed. This was by Jesus when He warned in Mark 8:36-37, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
