Information Related to "Ecclesiastes: The Thinking Young Adult's Guide to Life"
| Audio/Video |
The withered old king sat in a quiet corner of his favorite garden on his golden chair quietly considering how his reign had gone from good at first to bad in his later years. Perhaps it was a tear of what-should-have-been that glistened in the corner of his eye.
Of all the kings in all of history, Solomon had been handed the highest and best chance to succeed. God had given young Solomon his throne, peace, phenomenal wealth and more wisdom than any man had ever had.
All that fabulous wisdom and Solomon let his harem of wives lead him into pagan idolatry. "Smart, smart—stupid! How could I have done this? And what can be done now?" he scolded himself.
The sad yet hopeful irony of Solomon's foolish failings imparts to us powerful lessons of phenomenal insight in his short and largely autobiographical book called Ecclesiastes. Because of its divine inspiration and artful literary quality, its 12 chapters come jam-packed with wry observations and down-to-earth wisdom. Ecclesiastes is hugely powerful as a young adult's guide to life.
Life and times of King Solomon
Our 21st-century writers of literature, religion and world news commentary routinely reference King Solomon, who ruled the ancient kingdom of Israel from approximately 970 to 930 B.C. Noted British author Theodore Dalrymple concluded his July 8, 2007, article in the Los Angeles Times about the dilemma of cultural mistrust brought about by modern terrorism with: "All that is needed, then … is the wisdom of Solomon."
Young adults need that wisdom too.
Solomon began his wisdom education as the young son of King David, who wrote: "The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (Psalm 37:30-31). Solomon learned very early the foundational wisdom of divine law.
Related Information on UCG Sites:
Table of Contents that includes "Ecclesiastes: The Thinking Young Adult's Guide to Life"
Other Articles by Randy Stiver
Wisdom: