Trivia:
Well happy Friday the end of the week is near, so here is a riddle for you to ponder: What is kept on the table and cut, but never eaten? Make a guess and we'll see how well you did.
On the lighter side: What did the rabbit want for his birthday? Well of course, Carrot cake. Ho, ha!
Challenge:
Ecclesiastes 10:16 "Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!"
Here Solomon isn't talking of a king literally being a child, but rather demonstrating the qualities of a child. Being selfish, easily misguided, only thinking of playing, eating candy without regard for his or her nations future.
This verse is attempting to help us hone in on what our focus should be placed on:
Placing out attention on mature, purposeful priorities for others that we are responsible for
Disregarding those who live for indulgent, neglectful, irresponsible living/conduct
We are to focus on the fate of those individuals that we are responsible for, whether that be our family, business, church, or the nation.
Now let's focus on the principles that we should develop in our lives. To begin with this deep dive, Let's begin by looking at Solomon's mindset before he became the king, leader of God's chosen people in 1 Kings 3:9 "Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?"
The benefit of those who we are to oversee our life is dependant on the qualities of our leadehip, whether we are self-indulgent, neglectful or if we exercise self-restraint, as well as, proper priorities.
Solomon in his beginning years demonstrated these concerns look at 1 Kings 3:9 where he was questioned by God as to what was his desire that he wanted to be given him in his reign. He was asked if he was desirous to be given a long life, great wealth, or godly wisdom. His answer to God was wisdom/understanding.
As a young boy my mother pounded into us kids the necessity of changing from our school clothes which were our newest clothes, to our play clothes which were stained, and more worn. On Sundays we were to put on our best clothes, and before heading out the door we were to report for mothers inspection. She would say that when we go to church we may not have name brand clothes, but we should have clean, well maintained clothes, by that she meant mended, ironed, buttoned properly, shoes tied, etc.
Solomon took serious his role of the king of Israel, we can recognize this by his words, "For who can govern this great people of yours." Notice he didn't call them his people, he called them "your great people". He demonstrated an honorable outlook on those he was to lead. He demonstrated a disdain for those who demonstrated an irresponsible selfish behavior.
SO GO WITH GOD for He takes great pride in our approach to the concerns for our conduct in leadership. He will give to us abilities, should we ask for insight, wisdom, and abilities beyond our own personal skills He will give them to us.
Cut glass