He had it all – and lost it all.
Ever heard the story of Solomon? People would come from far and wide to hear his wisdom, and he was the wealthiest man in the world. He authored much of the book of Proverbs, which is still quoted and inscribed on significant landmarks today. He had it all.
But he didn’t finish well. As a result, most of his kingdom was lost in his son’s lifetime, and he himself lost his relationship with God, who had appeared to him not once, but twice.
The problem? Lust.
He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. He also married foreign women (translation: women who did not love the one, true God and served other gods).
I believe his having 1,000 wives and concubines = today’s pornography addiction. To the porn addict, thousands of women (or men) are available in rapid succession, and they turn men’s (or women’s) hearts away from God. According to Jesus in Matthew 5:28, whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her in his heart. That’s the sin of pornography: Lust. 2 Timothy 2:22 says to run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Why? Because God is a kill-joy? No, because it will destroy you. Nobody is exempt.
Solomon eventually turned away from God and I doubt he is in heaven today as a result. It’s amazing to think that he was the wisest man in the world and yet lust destroyed him. Isn’t it?
Read the story for yourself here.