As Solomon continued to conform to the customs of the world, his pride greatly increased. And the worldly prosperity that attended his apostasy, was regarded by him as a token of God's favor. So fully had he yielded himself to evil influences, that his spiritual discernment was well-nigh destroyed. He could not see the terrible losses that were sustained by the nation spiritually because he brought into the kingdom an abundance of the gold of Ophir and the silver of Tarshish.
Today there exists the same danger of mistaking prosperity for the favor of heaven. The prosperity that often for a time attends those who turn from a plain "Thus saith the Lord" to follow a way of their own choosing, is not an assurance of divine approval. Men many interpret it thus, but it is no sign that God's prospering hand is with them. Let all learn a lesson from Solomon's experience. Notwithstanding his violation of a plain "Thus saith the Lord," riches and worldly honor poured in upon him, and seemingly he was greatly blessed. This is in harmony with Job's declaration that the wicked spend their days in prosperity. And the psalmist testifies:--
"As for me, my feet were almost gone; My steps had well-nigh slipped. For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. . . . Pride is as a chain about their neck; Violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: They have more than heart could wish. They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression: They speak loftily."
Like Solomon, those who esteem their own wisdom above the wisdom of the Lord will surely feel the sad result of their course. For a time they may seemingly be prospered, but their work will not abide. The Lord will let them pass through bitter experiences, in order that they may have an opportunity to learn that real prosperity comes not by outward display, but only by conformity to his will and purpose.
God's way is always the right and prudent way. It always brings honor to his name. Man's only security against rash, ambitious movements is to keep the heart in harmony with Christ Jesus. Man's wisdom is untrustworthy. Man is fickle, filled with self-esteem, pride, and selfishness. Let the workers in God's service trust wholly in the Lord. Then they will reveal that they are willing to be led, not by human wisdom, which is as useless to lean upon as is a broken reed, but by the wisdom of the Lord, who has said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering."
Fellow Christian, keep your religion pure and untainted. Worldly interests may tempt you to yield your principles, but "what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Worldly greatness is no equivalent for integrity, honesty, a pure heart, and a noble, unwavering purpose to do right. Even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like him who possesses the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, untouched by the tinsel and show of the world. RH, January 18, 1906
Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Job 22:21 (New International Version)