Read 1 Chronicles 22 – 24
Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed. 1Chronicles 22:11-13 KJV
David was close to death and Solomon had been appointed to be the next king of Israel. But Solomon was young and inexperienced. Some believe around eighteen. Looking back on his own experience as king, David provided Solomon with the best advice any father can give to his children. First, he desired the presence and prosperity of the Lord in his son’s life. Can you think of a higher desire? As David, most of us could face death easier if we believed our children enjoyed the Lord’s presence and prosperity. He also wanted God’s wisdom and understanding in Solomon’s life. Every generation faces its own challenges, and it takes more than man’s wisdom to meet them. To have God’s wisdom and prosperity, David advised Solomon to pay attention to God’s Word and obey it. By doing so he would enjoy the presence, prosperity, wisdom, and encouragement of God.
Lord, what excellent advice of a father to his son provided by David to Solomon! I only wish I would have listened to such advice in my youth. It would have saved me from a lot of self-made pain. Help me effectively communicate the same advice to my children and their children that the may enjoy Your presence, prosperity, wisdom, and encouragement.
