Solomon — Wisest Man, Dumbest Husband

From Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible

But King Solomon loved many foreign women… from the nations of whom the LORD had said … “You shall not intermarry with them…” 1 Kings 11:1–2

What He Did

He married 700 wives and had 300 concubines. Many were idol worshipers—and he let them turn his heart away from God.

Why It Was Idiotic

God had appeared to Solomon twice. Yet he let lust and compromise corrupt him. The man who built the Temple also built altars to pagan gods. That’s wisdom turned to foolishness.

Here’s the Scoop

Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, became the third king of Israel and ruled during what is often called the golden age of the nation. Though not David’s oldest son, Solomon was divinely appointed to succeed his father. His reign began with political skill and humility. Early in his kingship, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered to give him anything he desired. Rather than ask for wealth or power, Solomon famously requested wisdom to govern the people rightly. This pleased God, who not only gave him wisdom beyond measure but also added great riches, honor, and peace during his reign.

Solomon’s wisdom became legendary. One of the most well-known examples is his judgment between two women who claimed to be the mother of the same baby. His insightful ruling astonished Israel and confirmed his God-given discernment (see 1 Kings 3:16–28). Solomon’s fame spread to other nations, and rulers—including the Queen of Sheba—traveled far to witness his splendor and hear his wisdom (see 1 Kings 10).

“Let’s learn a lesson from this man [Solomon] who achieved such greatness and yet managed to ruin his legacy. The big lesson is that the wisdom of words isn’t enough to preserve us from sin, without the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit to help us in this continual battle.”

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One of Solomon’s greatest achievements was building the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David’s dream. This magnificent structure became the central place of worship for Israel. It took seven years to complete and was dedicated with prayer, offerings, and the visible presence of God’s glory filling the sanctuary. In addition to the Temple, Solomon built a lavish palace and carried out other grand construction projects throughout the land.

He is traditionally credited with authoring several biblical books, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon—writings that reflect both his profound insight and personal struggles. Under his leadership, Israel reached its peak in wealth, influence, and cultural development. However, in his later years, Solomon’s heart was turned away from the Lord. He married hundreds of foreign women who brought their idols and false gods into Israel. Solomon began to accommodate their worship, building altars and high places for their gods. This disobedience grieved the Lord, and God warned Solomon that the kingdom would be divided after his death. Although God delayed the judgment out of respect for David, the damage had been done.

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I have an emotional dilemma when I read Solomon’s wisdom in the book of Proverbs. As with David, Solomon was used by God to pen His Word. Many times Proverbs has come to my rescue and saved me from physical and emotional pain. I have seen the wisdom of a soft answer turning away wrath (Proverbs 15:1), and so much more. Yet, with all his wisdom, this man dove into a pigsty of sin.

Let’s begin with a dramatic scene of David on his deathbed, charging his son Solomon with sobering and wise words:

Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: “I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn” (1 Kings 2:1–3)

If Solomon had obeyed the words of his father, he would’ve saved himself from falling into sin. And we can be saved from the subtlety of sin by looking closely at what David said to his son. He told him to be strong and prove himself to be a man. It seems that he wasn’t talking about physical male strength, but the strength of character—a godly man who will resist the sin that has caused so many to fall. The apostle Paul said a similar thing in 1 Corinthians 16:13:

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (LSB)

“Act like men” means to “man up” or “behave courageously.” It speaks of maturity, courage, and strength in the face of challenges. Whether male or female, we are to stand up for what is right.

Notice what David then said. He said to obey the LORD your God. God is the Creator—the God—of every human being. But He is not your God until you say with Thomas, “My Lord and my God.” Solomon, by his disobedience, showed that he acknowledged God as his Creator, but he didn’t use the wisdom that his Creator gave him to keep himself from sexual sin.

David was specific when he spoke of keeping God’s statutes “as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn…” Do yourself a great favor: let God’s Law (summarized in the Ten Commandments, see Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5) act as a schoolmaster to bring you to Christ (Galatians 3:24). But once you’re there, don’t forget the Law. I’m not talking about obeying it to earn Heaven, but keeping it out of gratitude to God for His mercy.

Jesus said that many who will say to Him on the day of judgment “Lord, Lord” were those who had no regard for the divine Law. He called them workers of lawlessness. If you are a Christian, let the Commandments be a lamp and a light to you. Keep your heart free from lust because that’s a violation of the Seventh Commandment. Keep your heart free from covetousness because that’s a violation of the Tenth Commandment. Never lie, steal, or blaspheme God’s holy name. Keep your heart free from hatred because that’s a violation of the Sixth Commandment. Always honor your father and mother, whether they deserve your honor or not. If you don’t, Scripture says your life won’t be long on the earth and all will not be well with you (see Ephesians 6:1). Make sure God is first in your affections. Keep yourself from creating your own image of God, and set aside one day in seven to rest.

Again, Solomon was given these instructions from his father, who wanted his success—and he took no notice. Let’s learn a lesson from this man who achieved such greatness and yet managed to ruin his legacy. The big lesson is that the wisdom of words isn’t enough to preserve us from sin, without the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit to help us in this continual battle.

From Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible