Day 159 – Solomon & His Wisdom

• Today we have no history to read. Instead we get a reminder of the beauty of God’s wisdom through the eyes (and pen) of Solomon, as well as enjoying reading some of it in the opening chapters of both Proverbs and Song of Songs
• In the passage in 1 Kings 4, what does God say about Solomon’s wisdom?
• Consider the impact of 1 Kings 4:34. In the days before planes, phones and the internet, Solomon’s fame spread quickly around the Near-Eastern world. Israel – in this glorious time in its history – was being taken very seriously by the other nations at this point in time.
• Look at 1 Proverbs:2-7, and read them again slowly. Why is Solomon writing these words? Who is he writing these words to? Spend some time focusing on the importance of each of these verses. It’s all too easy to skim-read the words we’re reading without considering the heart-changing impact they should have.
• How is wisdom described throughout Proverbs 1?
• You may enjoy reading on from Proverbs 1 if you have the time. We’ve already looked at several chapters, such as chapter 7. Can I encourage the reading of Proverbs 2 and 3 too? We’re not going to look at them in this reading plan but they have beautiful descriptions of the life-changing qualities of wisdom.
• How would you evaluate yourself when it comes to being wise (and remember, I don’t mean how clever you are)? What are you currently struggling with; perhaps things which needs wise consideration. Have the words you’ve read today helped give perspective on how to tackle this?
• Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon, is another beautiful book of poetry about love, firmly written within the context of a monogamous marriage, and we believe it to be also written by Solomon.
• Love is celebrated in Song of Songs using sensual images and sexual imagery. Does it surprise you that Song of Songs is in the bible, based on reading the first chapter?
• Some people think that Song of Songs pictures Jesus’ love for the church. This is possible. At a more basic level, it gives us guidance on ideals in loving marriages, focusing on the needs of the other person and demonstrating that love to each other. What admirable qualities can you see the man and the woman showing in the passages you read?

I’ve encouraged you to read lots today. We’re not going to read any more in Song of Songs in this reading plan, which is a shame. Do consider grabbing a good drink and reading onward. Enjoy the poetry and the way the couple interact with each other. Think about why the book was written. What are the different roles of the male and female protagonists?

It’s worth also considering the way that this book evokes intense passion and sexual imagery, but unlike much of the imagery around us today, it never resorts to being crude. Love, and sexual intimacy, is a gift from God, to be enjoyed and celebrated in the proper context. It is only our fallen world that has distorted sex to become the cheap, casual and faceless commodity we see around us so much.