Wisdom is a Choice

Love and Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. v. 3, 6

Loved the Lord - great care and affection. this is more than I love Chaney’s ice cream. This is a love that ORIENTS lifestyle choices.

(mostly) WISE CHOICES followed Solomon’s LOVE for God - v. 3 - “Followed the statutes of David.”

except -here refers to v. 1 and the Marriage with Pharaoh’s daughter,

Some would say that this a political union - and history shows that Pharoah Siamun attacked and conquered Gezer in Northern Israel during David’s reign back to Israel under Solomon’s strength because he overextended somewhat like ambassadors and embassy’s of today. But he married her, and that is in direct disobedience of

Deuteronomy 17:16 NASB95

16 “Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’

(NASB95)

3 “Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons.

There is some discussion here whether the sacrifices on the high places was legal Sacrificed in the right attitude and heart. While waiting on the temple.

Problem was confusion with the high places and the sky and nature worshippers - the Baals and Ashteroth worship - many of those adherants went to a hill or a mountain top to “get closer to their gods” of sun, rain, etc.

The Lord is pleased with a lifestyle of wisdom. v. 5, 10-12

God honors a faithful choice of wisdom. “Ask what you wish me to give you.” v. 5

The richest people I have known didn’t have all the money in the world.

Riches are many times beyond material wealth.

APPLICATION FOR TODAY:

** Knowing and Applying God’s Word is a lifestyle of Wisdom.

We need it - because the world ain’t always nice. See

Matthew 10:16 NASB95

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

** Note - Solomon’s choices eventually caught up with him… “Vanity, Vanity!” of Ecclesiastes - Meaningless, Emptiness, Unsatisfactory...

Knowing and Applying God’s Word is a lifestyle of Wisdom.

Matthew 10:16 NASB95

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

**

“And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.”

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 12

1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth,

** Illusions of our own grandeur keep wisdom at bay.

** In all we think, say and do we should ask, “Will this please the Lord?” ACTING on this principle IS Wisdom!

Matthew 10:16 NASB95

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

Matthew 23:33 NASB95

33 “You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?