Ignoring God’s Warnings

God warned Israel about the temptation to be ruled by a king. But, knowing they would want kings anyway, He also warned how they should act toward their leaders. Amazingly, Israel’s second king, Solomon, directly violated many of God’s warnings. He took hundreds of wives in direct violation of God’s command that “the king shall not multiply wives for himself.” And, just as God predicted, these wives corrupted his heart and mind.

Ignoring God’s specific directive, Solomon allowed himself to become influenced by foreigners, for he “loved many foreign women.” And, as a byproduct of these relationships, he built high places and worshiped idols, under the influence of these wives, “who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods” (1 Kings 11:1-8).

God also had warned against the influence of money. Yet the Bible describes in great detail the vast riches Solomon amassed. For example, “the weight of gold which came in to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold” (1 Kings 10:14).

God also warned that Israel’s king “shall not multiply horses for himself.” Yet “Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen.” And, in violation of God’s warning, Solomon imported many of these horses (as well as chariots) from Egypt (1 Kings 4:26-29).

How history might have been different if Solomon had heeded God’s warnings and obeyed His Word!

Today, remember the importance of knowing God’s Word. Make it the foundation of your life. Apply its principles. They can help you prevent problems and turn around any situation. And remember to listen to God’s warnings. He wants the best for you.