Prosperity and Pride Bring Disaster

At first, as wealth and worldly honor came to him, Solomon remained humble. He “reigned over all kingdoms from the River [Euphrates] to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt.” “He had peace on every side all around him.” 1 Kings 4:21, 24.RR 19.1

But after a morning of great promise, apostasy darkened Solomon’s life. He had received such remarkable evidences of God’s favor that his wisdom brought him worldwide fame. He had led others to give honor to the God of Israel. Now he turned from Jehovah to bow before the idols of the heathen.RR 19.2

Foreseeing the dangers that would come to the rulers of Israel, the Lord gave Moses instruction to guide them. “He shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom.” Deuteronomy 17:19, 20.RR 19.3