Is That Really What The Bible Teaches?

There are a number of traditional beliefs and practices that many Christians accept without considering whether they are true or not.  Some believe they don’t really matter.  This Easter season has called attention to one such belief.

It is generally accepted that Jesus was crucified on Good Friday.  He was crucified and the sun was darkened from about noon until about 3:00 pm.,  Shortly after that, he was declared dead, and Joseph took his body for burial.  A hasty burial in Joseph’s tomb ensued because it was close and at sunset the day officially changed.

All the gospels record that Jesus was raised very early Sunday morning.  John 20:1 is most specific.  “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.”  Jesus was already raised before sunrise Sunday morning.

In Matthew 12:40 Jesus declared that he would spend at least part of three days and nights in the tomb.  “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”  He made a similar statement in Mark 8:31.  “And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.”  

The chief priests and Pharisees were familiar with his statements, referring to them in getting Pilate to post guards to prevent the theft of his body in Matthew 27:62-64.  “Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.  Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”

No matter how I figure it, I cannot come up with more than two days and two nights between Friday and sunrise Sunday.  According to Deuteronomy18:21-22, the proof that a prophet was from God or not was whether the prophecy happened.  “And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?  When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”  In fact, they were to take him out and kill him for his blasphemy according to earlier verses.

If tradition is correct, and Jesus was crucified on Friday, he did not spend three days and three nights in the tomb.  Instead he was a liar, claiming to speak for God, and could not be the messiah, or our savior.  While it seems a minor point, it is critical to what we believe.

If we accept that he was crucified on Thursday instead, a number of problems disappear.  First, we have the proper number of days involved.  Secondly, breaking the malefactors legs to hasten their death in order to get them off the crosses before the Sabbath makes more sense since they would have had twenty four hours to die, rather than just a couple.

The rush to get Jesus buried would have been less urgent, because Friday would be the preparation day, starting at sundown Thursday.  No work or business was permitted on the Sabbath, and this would also allow the ladies to do what is described in Luke 23:54-56.  “And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.  And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.  And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.”  It seems obvious that Jesus was crucified on Thursday rather than Friday as tradition teaches.

While it appears a minor distinction on the surface. In reality it raises the question as to whether the Bible can be trusted or not, and whether our salvation is real.  This is too important to ignore, in my opinion.  What do you think?

Don’t Force It

Several years ago, a woman complained that her sewing machine wasn’t working properly.  I offered to check it out and see if I could fix it, because I had recently obtained a book on sewing machine repair and wanted to try it.

When she brought the machine, the tensions were both out of adjustment, and I had to set them back to specs to make it sew at all.  Once I got them readjusted , the machine sewed rally well.  I took it back and after just a couple hours she brought it back again.

I checked it out a lot more carefully that time, looking for something that could cause intermittent malfunctions.  Every thing was normal and met the manufacturers specs.  I suggested she try a different thread if it happened again as unevenly spun thread can result in tension changes and cause skipping.

After she brought it back several times, I got it working again and asked her to sew on it with me watching.  Rather than allowing the machine to feed the material through itself, she was forcing it through, causing the machine to skip stitches.  In and effort to correct the problem she then fiddled with the tension making the problem worse.  I tried to explain to her that the machine was designed to feed the material at the proper rate and all she needed to do was guide it, but she never seemed to get the idea.  I suspect she still thinks I was a pretty poor repairman.

A lot of people make a similar mistake in serving the Lord.  We begin to think we make things happen, rather than just placing ourselves at his disposal and letting the Holy Spirit control it, then wonder why the results were so unsatisfactory.  Some have been doing it that way for so long, they think the poor results are normal, and never understand that the problem is that they are trying to accomplish spiritual results using fleshly power.

If the ability to speak in tongues is one of the gifts of the spirit, why do we expect to be able to teach others how to do it?  Wouldn’t it have to be his power, rather than our teaching that enabled them to speak in tongues?

If we really believe that no man can come to Christ except the father draw him, as John 6:44 says, why do so many preachers psychologically “prime the pump” by having some come to the altar to convince others to come?  Why do we try so hard to be bold, forcing ourselves to ignore our fear, rather than simply allowing the Holy Spirit to give us the faith and peace to speak where we are?  If we believe that “the Spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are sons of God,” why do we try to give other people assurance of their salvation, instead of letting him do it?

By such efforts, we hinder the Holy Spirit.  There are hundreds of people speaking in tongues that the Holy Spirit had nothing to do with, and God gets little of the glory.  Thousands make meaningless professions, and are convinced they are saved when they are not.  People force themselves to go soul winning and alienate unsaved people because they are so pushy.  Then the results are laid at the Holy Spirit’s door.  Doesn’t that come awfully close to blaspheming the Holy Spirit?

Making God’s Word Of No Effect

When my parents first came to the Navajo reservation, Dad was invited to join the local association of pastors and missionaries.  When he said he didn’t think he’d care to be part of it, another missionary told him that if it was because of the verse that said “call no man father, ” he should understand that it was just a title and didn’t really imply you considered him as your father.

The Pharisees were very zealous about their religion, to a degree rarely seen in our day, except among a few cult groups.  They really believed the old saying, “cleanliness is next to godliness”, requiring the use of a hand sanitizer before touching anything.  Of course their sanitizers didn’t come in a bottle, and thus required a great deal more effort than the modern ones.  They became upset when Jesus’ disciples didn’t show the same concern for preventing the spread of germs, although they used different names for it.  Mark 7:5 describes the confrontation.  “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?”

I suspect they expected Jesus to apologize for the unspiritual behavior of his disciples and correct them.  His response was not what they expected.  “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.” (Mark 7:6-8)

Nobody likes to be called a hypocrite, a walking lie, pretending to be one thing while actually being something else.  He accused them of making a big show of loving and obeying God when their own interest was only in impressing other people.  All their zeal was wasted, because they were teaching their own set of rules, rather than God’s.  The emphasis on hand sanitizing was only one example of many.  In effect, they have said that God’s commands are not as important as their customs.

“And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.  For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.  And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” (Mark 7:9-13)

The sanitizing ceremony was an addition to the word of God, not inherently wrong, just not required by God.  Accepting the refusal to respect and assist their parents, on the other hand, was in direct contradiction of what God had commanded.   Literally, they have said God’s commands aren’t relevant.

The missionary’s comment to my father was saying the same thing since Matthew 23:9 says, “And call no man your father upon the earth:…”  While it may seem, or even be relatively minor, Matthew 5:19 warns, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 23:23 stresses that while we need to take care of the most important things, we should not neglect the minor ones.

Many Christians will not call the Catholic priest “father”, but ignore the rest of the passage. Matthew 23:8-10 commands, “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.  And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.  Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.”  Not only does God forbid us to call another man “father”, he forbid us to use titles such as “Reverend” or “Pastor” or “Doctor” to set ourselves above others.  If we do so, aren’t we just as guilty as the Pharisees?

We similar behavior in a lot of areas in the modern Church.  A pastor in Stratford, Texas was upset and refused to allow his men to collect the offering or play an active roll in the church if they were not wearing a suit and tie, despite the admonition in James 2:2-4.  “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”  Continuing with that thought, James 2:9 states, “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”

Many pastors have refused to marry people who indulged in “premarital” sex, or have established a set of programs they must complete before they will.  Exodus 22;16 commands, “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.”  By what authority can the pastor refuse?  God says they have to get married.

Many churches today consider hymns and psalms as irrelevant, and no longer use them, yet Colossians 3:16 instructs to use them as a way of teaching.  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

How many other times have we set the word of God aside as unimportant to practice these or other traditions, implying that it doesn’t apply, or as Jesus said, “Making the word of God of none effect…”  In Haggai’s day, the Jews were working hard with little result, just as many Christians today do.  God spoke to them in Haggai 1:5-7.  “Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.  Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.”  Perhaps we need to consider our ways.

How is it that ye do not understand?

In an effort to establish their superiority by discrediting Jesus, the Pharisees had come out to question him.  If they could get him to promise some sign that didn’t happen, they could proclaim him a false prophet, according to the law.  

“And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.  And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.” (Mark 8:11-12) 

Jesus described the Pharisee’s focus in Matthew 23:5.  “But all their works they do for to be seen of men:…”  They had no interest in doing what pleased God, just impressing people.  If they could prove Jesus was wrong, they could discredit him, making themselves look better.  If he gave them useable information, they could use it to impress others with their deep knowledge.  Instead, he crushed their hopes, then left, as if they weren‘t that important.

“And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.   Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. 

And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.  And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.” (Mark 8:13-16)

The disciples had not prepared for a prolonged trip, taking only minimal provisions.  When Jesus referred to the attitude of the Pharisees, using an example he had used several times before, of leaven representing an ungodly attitude, the disciples immediately jumped to the conclusion that he was rebuking them for not being prepared for the journey.

“And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?  Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?” (Mark 8:17-18) 

Like we so often do, the disciples were focused on their own ideas and completely missed what Jesus was talking about, even though it should have been obvious that their concern was invalid.  They had heard the Pharisee’s questions, and Jesus other teachings.  In addition, they should have known that not having enough food was not a concern for Jesus.  He pointed this out.

“When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.  And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.  And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?” (Mark 8:19-21)

Only a couple of hours before he had fed 4000 people with seven loaves and had seven baskets full left over.  Only a few weeks before that, he had fed 5000 people with a little boys lunch and had twelve baskets full left.  Why would he be concerned that one loaf wouldn’t be able to feed himself and twelve apostles?  How could they not understand what he meant when it should have been so obvious?

Many times we do the same thing today.  One area where this occurs relates to eternal security.  Ephesians 5:5, for example, is very specific.  “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”  People who are involved with certain sins will not be in heaven.  Murderers and liars are some of the other sinners listed in other verses.  

Luke 8:13 and Hebrews 6:6 speak of people falling away.  Hebrews 10:26 warns, “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”  Since people who claim to have been saved sometimes commit these sins, One group concludes that it is possible to lose ones salvation, based on these and similar verses.

A second group insists that it is impossible to lose ones salvation because I Peter 1:5 says we “…are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  Speaking of those who believe in him, in John 10:27-29, Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”  Since the individual is a man like everyone else, they conclude that there is no sin a person could commit that would separate him from the love of God, which is exactly what Romans 8:38 says.

focusing on their particular group of scriptures, both groups tend to ignore the scriptures the other group uses, somewhat like the disciples ignored or forgot other things they knew.  Believing that all Scripture is given by God, as II Timothy 3:16 states and that no scripture can be interpreted independently from other scripture, we must accept that all the scriptures are true.  This forces us to examine other scripture as well.   The truth will include all of them.

I John 3:9-10 declares, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”  A person lives that lifestyle because he is not saved.  Were he saved, the Holy Spirit would prevent him doing so.  Romans 7:17-20 explains, “Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.   Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”

II Thessalonians 3:3 states that we can depend on the Lord to keep his children from sin.  “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”   Jude 1:24-25 emphasizes his ability to do so.  “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.”

Judas Iscariot was the one apostle the others never suspected of betraying Jesus, even when Jesus specifically identified him as the one who would.  They were totally convinced of his having the same faith they had, yet John 6:70-71 states that he was never really one of them.  He turned away and betrayed Jesus, becoming the model for those who do so.  Hebrews 3 and 4 also cite the

people who accompanied Moses in the Exodus, yet never believed as an example of those who may fall away.

The principle in John 3:36 does not change.  “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”  People commit such sins for the same reason they go to hell.  John 3:18 declares that people are condemned because they don’t believe in Christ, not because they commit those sins.  “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  The sin indicates they have not trusted Christ.

Deliberate overt sin by a person who purports to be a Christian does not indicate that he has lost his salvation, but that he has never received Christ in the first place, because he only went through the motions, without real faith or repentance.  He is yet in his sins.  Eternal security is based on the power of God, both to keep us saved and to keep us from sin.

Lessons Solomon Didn’t Learn 4

The final lesson Solomon failed to learn is one that is contributing to major problems in our society. Bathsheba taught him a very serious lesson about value of a good mate and what to look for. After legally marrying seven hundred women, and setting up housekeeping with three hundred more, he made the the following comment about the scarcity of good ones in Ecclesiastes 7:27-28. “Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.”

It is amazing how many people enter marriage with the attitude that if it doesn’t work, I can find somebody else. Divorce among Christians approaches fifty percent, with most non-Christians just not bothering with a wedding. A big part of the problem is that few have been taught to be good husbands or wives, and even many of those have no idea what to look for in seeking a mate.

As a result, we find people who, like Solomon, have numerous marriages in an effort to find a satisfactory mate. Like Solomon, most blame the others for the problems, but the problem is in themselves. Most do not live in a way that makes a good marriage possible. Those who do what they should don’t give serious thought to who they marry and make bad choices. As Bathsheba pointed out, making the right choice can make a tremendous difference. While Solomon is directing his comments to his sons, the principles are the same for women.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)

Most people devote far more energy to selecting a career than to selecting a mate. They also devote far more energy to preparing for that career than to preparing for marriage, even though the marriage is far more important than the career. It isn’t surprising that so few marriages work out.

Bathsheba had taken the time to teach Solomon what to look for in a wife, because who one marries has such an impact on one’s life. How many people would have avoided divorce if we had taught them to look for these things in a prospective mate?

“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:11-12)

Trust between a husband and wife is essential. A husband or wife who spends the family banking account at the casino or bar, or buys a new car or furniture without consulting their mate can drive the couple into serious debt, forcing their mate to take on a second job or go without things they need. A mate can destroy ones reputation by running up debts or not paying bills. They can also destroy it by false claims of abuse, infidelity, addiction, etc., to friends, employers, family members or . They can also begin to abuse the mate either physically or emotionally. Sexual infidelity is perhaps the most devastating breach of trust of all.

Past behavior is critical to identify potential problems. Luke 16:10 warns, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” A man or woman who cheats on one mate will probably cheat on another. One who has a history of overspending will be likely to do it again. Bitterness and accusations against former friends or partners may indicate a habit.

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” (Proverbs 31:13-15)

A lot of people look at marriage as away to get what they want. They expect their mate to support them completely, while they do as they please. It is important that one’s mate be willing to contribute their share to the marriage. A prospective mate who will not care for their own responsibilities probably won’t when they are married either.

“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” (Proverbs 31:16-19)

While a sense of protectiveness may make one feel important and strong, it isn’t much of a basis for marriage. Who wants to married to a child, especially if you want to have children. Someone who is able to make sound decisions and carry out plans without having to have their hand held every step reduces a lot of stress.

“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” (Proverbs 31:20-22)

Marriage is a fifty-fifty affair. However what a lot of people fail to realize that it requires one hundred percent of each partner to make their fifty. Selfishness is definitely an indication that a person would not make a good mate. There should be concern for both the immediate family, for those in need around them, and a desire to please their mate.

“Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” (Proverbs 31:23-25)

Who one marries has a great deal of impact on one’s relationship with other people. Their behavior can turn people away from you and make you unwelcome in various settings. They also affect how far one may advance in their own career by the affect on ones self perception.

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:26)

No one knows everything, despite the attitude of some. A mate who can provide useful insights can change the outcome of what one attempts. Angry, disrespectful, and derogatory speech, on the other hand, can be very disheartening and emotionally hurtful. How does the prospective mate treat others?

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:27)

A good marriage requires that both parties place the common good above their own personal agenda. While getting one’s way is very gratifying, it weakens the relationship. How self willed is the prospective mate?

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” (Proverbs 31:28-29)

The trouble to find a fitting mate, or to become one, will pay off in respect from one’s mate and in pleasure for both parties. It will make marriage satisfactory for both parties. Clearly, more is required than the focus on finding someone who makes one laugh is needed. The most common factors, such as looks or clothing or wealth are so superficial as to be meaningless. Our “soul mate” may be totally unsatisfactory for a lasting marriage. Until we teach young people to prepare themselves and to make wise choices, the present divorce problem will probably continue.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:30-31)

The results of taking the time to make wise marriages will speak for themselves in stronger, happier marriages and lives.

Lessons Solomon Didn’t Learn 3

If you were to have asked Solomon, he would have probably said he did pretty well in this third area where he failed to learn what his mother, Bathsheba, taught him. As king, every day he considered the requests people brought and made judgments about what should be done. Like most of us, he never considered what the impact of his decisions might be. Notice Bathsheba’s instruction.

“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Most of us assume that, since there are no major protests, our decisions are approved by other people. The nation of Israel had only one major complaint about Solomon. The entire nation expressed it after Solomon’s death, when they were preparing to anoint his son Rehoboam as king. I Kings 12:3-4 states, “…And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.”

Because he only heard an occasional grumble, Solomon assumed the taxes were not much of a problem for his people, and didn’t worry too much about raising them to do some new project. It never occurred to him that most people would not tell him how they felt. Some would not complain for fear of making him angry. Others didn’t bother because they felt he wouldn’t pay any attention any way. Others felt they had no access to the king and would never get a hearing. How serious and wide spread the dissatisfaction was only became obvious when Rehoboam refused to take the request seriously.

“So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.” (I Kings 12:16)

What he blew off as a minor issue was so serious to the people that they refused to allow him to be their king. When he tried to push it through anyway, they killed the man he sent to collect the taxes, and Rehoboam had to flee for his own protection.

Bathsheba’s instruction was to speak up for those who wouldn’t be heard, but were affected by the actions. A politician can decide to spend money with no consideration for the impact it has on the taxpayers, just as Solomon did. A pastor can make decisions for the church with no consideration for what the effect will be on the people. An employer can decide to restrict wages or require working overtime with no understanding of it’s effect on employees and their families. Parents may fail to recognize the effect their decisions may have on their families, and children may fail to realize what their actions have on their parents.

An employee may fear losing his job and not complain about having to work overtime. Church members may not dare speak out against the pastor’s decisions. Children may feel so powerless they don’t dare express their feelings. Peer pressure or cultural issues may cause parents to not speak out about children’s actions. That does not mean no one cares.

We need to learn to be considerate of those who may not complain but are affected by our decisions, and to minimize the hurt we cause. Old time doctors believed their primary responsibility was to do no harm. It should be our intent as well. Instead of greasing the squeaking wheel, we need to practice a little preventive maintenance, and make sure all of them are greased. By the time the wheel begins squeaking, the bearing has been damaged. Taking care of those who aren’t complaining can prevent that.

Lessons Solomon Didn’t Learn 2

While he was working on his degree in psychology, one of my brother-in-law’s professors told the class that they would never be able to help drug addicts unless they first tried the drugs themselves so they could understand what the addicts were experiencing. As a result almost the entire class became addicted, with many dropping out of the course and some never able to overcome the addiction.

Solomon had a similar idea as he describes in Ecclesiastes 3:3. “I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.” If he could enjoy the wine without losing control, he would be able to understand the logic of those who got drunk and see what the benefits were to people. He concluded that the promise was false in Proverbs 20:1. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

It is dumb to fall for the lies that one can gain much benefit from drinking, and we tend to forget that very smart people fall for some really dumb theories. In falling for that idea, Solomon had ignored what his mother had tried to teach him.

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” (Proverbs 31:4-5)

Even a little alcohol affects one’s judgment, which is why we have laws forbidding driving under the influence of alcohol. Mining companies, airlines, and construction companies are especially aware of the danger of impairment of those in responsible positions. I have to wonder how many of the bad legal decisions of our present day leaders are the result of impaired judgment. We know that both lawyers and judges make serious mistakes when drinking. The more responsibility one has, the more important it is that one not drink.

Even those who do not become alcoholics tend get so wrapped up in the temporary pleasure they ignore the side effects of their drinking. Drinking usually results in depression, after the initial stimulus, so those who are drinking tend to have very negative attitudes. Solomon points out the attitude in Proverbs 23:29-30. “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.” Listen to a bunch of drinkers and you will be amazed at the complaints, many of which you will be unable to clearly define. You will frequently be amazed at the arguments and how often they degenerate into actual physical fights.

Solomon instructed his sons, “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder,” in Proverbs 23:31-32. Drinking is kind of like putting a rattlesnake in your coat pocket. It may take any opportunity to bite you, and the may kill you.

Fat Tire Beer advertises that they have been helping ugly people have sex for fifty years. When they are drinking, people will do things they’d never consider when sober. In their inebriated stat, they say horrible things and take ridiculous chances, and don’t seem to learn from the mistakes. Proverbs 23:33-35 warns, “Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.”

Everything God has created is good, when used properly. Bathsheba taught Solomon the proper use of alcohol. It is a valuable medical tool, because if it’s properties. It will work as an antiseptic, killing bacteria when applied topically. It is a stimulant, and will sometimes stimulate a weak heart, while at the same time reducing pain sensations. As a result it is especially valuable for relieving intense pain of those who are near death. The stimulus effect can also be beneficial for those who are suffering depression, at least in the short term, as it causes the body to release various endorphins. Prolonged use, however, depletes the body’s supply, resulting in greater depression, so it is strictly for short term usage.

“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” (Proverbs 31:6-7)

Because, in small quantities, it can be beneficial in certain digestive problems, Paul instructed Timothy to use a little, probably in diluted form, in I Timothy 5:23. “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.”

Clearly, wine and other alcoholic liquids were never intended as beverages, but for medical purposes. Because they are addictive, both physically and emotionally, they lose effectiveness with increased usage, and they can damage certain organs, their use needs to be restricted. We need to discredit the childish perception of their usage as portraying maturity and sophistication.

A Lessons Solomon Didn't Learn

Historically, Solomon is known as the wisest king of antiquity. You would think that such a man would have lived a pretty good life himself, but history shows that despite great wisdom, he made some really foolish choices. He wrote the book of Proverbs as a set of instructions to teach his sons how to live a productive and happy life, by avoiding some of the bad decisions he‘d made.

The first thirty chapters are Solomon’s instructions to his ssons, in the form of short precise statements or “proverbs.” Chapter thirty one is different. It describes lessons his mother, Bathsheba taught Solomon, using her pet name, Lemuel, or belonging to God.

“The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.” (Proverbs 31:1)

The normal biblical meaning of the word prophecy in the old testament is to declare what God has said. Here a different Hebrew word is used, that does not mean a message from God but simply to burden or charge with responsibility. She is trying to teach him to take responsibility about his own life.

One statement from the book, The Seven Laws Of Teaching, is burned into my mind. “No learning occurs until original thinking is done.” Until one has thought through a teaching, has meditated on it himself, it isn’t learned, no matter how well he may be able to quote it. It is why memorization is so often unsuccessful as a means of teaching. They have recorded the statements, but they are, like a recording on a cassette tape, easily erased and forgotten. Verse two is literally an attempt to get him to think about what she is saying.

“What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?” (Proverbs 31:2)

Like kids so often do, Solomon foolishly blew off what she taught him, but he records it in hopes his own children will pay more attention. He had known from an early age that he was destined to be king, and as such was inclined to view himself as being slightly above what other people had to do, so Bathsheba relates her instructions specifically to what he expects to become.

“Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.” (Proverbs 31:3)

The pursuit of sexual pleasure has destroyed people from every walk of life. Those who have wealth and power are just as tempted as any, but their peccadilloes affect far more people than those in less prominent positions. Unfortunately, they tend to think that they will be able to conceal their activities because of their wealth. Bathsheba warns of the danger, because she knows the effect David’s involvement with her had on his reign as king, resulting in her husband Uriah’s murder, and the near loss of his kingdom to Absalom.

That Solomon failed to learn this lesson is clear from the statement in I Kings 11:3. “And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines:…” He legally married the princesses to avoid starting wars with their fathers, but just lived with those of “common” birth because their families were no threat.

In his efforts to please all these women, Solomon built each one houses, and houses of worship to all their different Gods, and began participating in their religion, as we see in I Kings 11:7-8. “Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.”

The first way this impacted the nation was financial. Solomon had raised the economy to the point I Kings 10:27 tells us, “And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycamore trees that are in the vale, for abundance.”

Solomon’s personal wealth was enormous, according to I Kings 10:21- 23. “And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom.”

In spite of that, Solomon raised taxes to pay for all of them to the point that when he died, the people begged his son to lower the taxes in I Kings 12:4 because it was an unbearable burden. Often one of the first evidences of illicit sexual behavior is excessive spending and neglect of business.

A second major signal of illicit involvement is a dropping of the old moral standards and practices. I Kings 11:3-4 describes this in Solomon’s life. “… and his wives turned away his heart. 1ki 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.” He was no longer concerned about his spiritual life, and stopped taking as much part in the church, although he still went through the motions.

Not only did his involvement with all those women cause financial problems, it led to constant conflict for the last several years of Solomon’s reign, finally resulting in civil war and splitting the country, because his sin led to opposition by God. God had warned him before it happened, as he so often does, and when he refused God told what the consequences would be.

“Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.” (I Kings 11:11-13)

When Solomon didn’t repent of his sin and change, God set his judgment in motion, giving him time to still repent. I Kings 11: 14 describes the first conflict that resulted. “And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.” Up to this time, there was no opposition to Solomon’s reign.

The problems grew when he still didn’t listen, with a second adversary according to I Kings 11:23-25 “And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah: And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus. And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

Finally, civil unrest and ultimately civil war broke out, according to I Kings 11:26. “And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.” After Solomon’s death, the kingdom split completely and eventually was destroyed because of Solomon’s sin.

It is troubling to see the number of young people who have ignored the principles of their parents and grandparents, involving themselves in sexual sin. It is even more troubling to see the number who have never even heard those principles.