Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.
Proverbs 14:34-35

Dear God, some day I need to sit down and die a deep dive on Solomon. As I read this proverb, I had two initial thoughts. First, even though we are always told as children that there are things more important than money, that one issue seems to pretty much drive every election (at least the ones I’ve voted in since 1988). The second is I wonder at what point Solomon went off the rails. By the end of his life, he had a serious problem with women and was a cruel king and slave owner. When did he write this proverb? Did he recognize the sin in his life?

Of course, that leads me to myself. Do I recognize the sin in my own life? Do I have the self awareness I need to be able to hear the Holy Spirit when he tries to convict me? Do I recognize what you consider to be sin? Have I become watered down by society? Have I become “tolerant” in a negative way that hurts your kingdom?

Father, give me ears to hear and eyes to see. Help me to learn from Solomon. Granted, it’s not that I’m in a position of wealth and power like he was, but I am just as susceptible to hubris and arrogance. Help me to give the Holy Spirit enough room to really work in my heart and my life.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen