Solomon’s Guidance for Young People

Solomon’s Guidance for Young People

“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” Prov. 3:1.

These words were written by Solomon, and you could imagine that he had heard them many times from his father David. David had lived a wholehearted life for God, and therefore his words carried weight. He had committed himself entirely to God from his early youth, to such an extent that God Himself could already at that time give him this testimony: David is a man after My own heart. 1 Sam. 13:14.

Solomon continues his guidance in Prov. 3:3-5: “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

It is my own understanding that excludes me from God’s blessing and power. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is wholly with Him.” [Norw.] 2 Chron. 16:9. King Asa trusted more in his own understanding than in God and wanted to bring peace to himself and his people using his own reasoning. The result was quite the opposite, as it is written further: “In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

Why do I always have war and turmoil in my thoughts? Why do the circumstances of life and other people’s words and actions bring me out of rest? Where do all these worries come from? The answer is simple, and the truth cuts and divides sharply: my heart has not been wholly with God. A whole heart cannot be divided or controlled by anyone other than God—not even by my feelings or reasoning. And when God is in control, I get a completely different perspective on matters. I become like an eagle lifting its wings, and from on high I see what really matters and has value in God’s kingdom.

This guidance cannot be grasped by my understanding. I must grasp it by faith and write it on the tablet of my heart. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb. 11:6.

The whole world admires understanding, and from childhood we are taught and encouraged to use it to acquire earthly goods, honor, and power. Most Christians also live in such a way that their reasoning is in control instead of God. It is only through faith that I can go out and separate myself from this form of reasonable Christianity and draw closer to the living God. Out there we meet our Lord, peace and happiness. With God by my side, I can prioritize and make the right choices at the many crossroads of life. He has promised to take care of us. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt. 6:33.

Solomon continues in Prov. 3:6-7: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” We all need this exhortation. Solomon later became strong, rich, and wise in his own eyes, and he fell away from God. He had forgotten his own guidance. It is not only relevant for young people, but for all of us, throughout our lives. When the Lord dwells in our hearts, we get to know Him. Just think that the result will be that He will direct all my paths! Not that the numerous trials of life disappear, but through the fear of God, the paths of my thoughts are directed, and I will be preserved in God—in peace and happiness through all the storms of life. Let us be like David, right from our earliest youth: “I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Ps. 18:1-2.