Pity The Fool, Solomon

Estimated Reading time: 6 minutes · Written by Ben Pearson

What does it mean to be wise?

It’s a question that has echoed through generations. In a world brimming with information but often short on insight, the difference between knowledge and wisdom feels more important than ever. As part of our new teaching series called Pity the Fool, we’re exploring key figures in the Old Testament who—despite their mistakes—reveal how godly wisdom works in the real world.

We begin this journey with King Solomon, one of the Bible’s most complex characters. A man celebrated for wisdom, yet also remembered for moments of great foolishness. His story invites us to ask searching questions: What are we building our lives on? Where do we turn for guidance? And what happens when our priorities go astray?

Solomon’s Story

Solomon's reign begins at a turning point in Israel's history. After the dramatic exodus from Egypt and years of wandering, Israel had settled. The people had been given The Law at Mount Sinai—a divine framework for living a life of justice, fairness, and social cohesion. But the history of Israel shows how frequently they fell short of this covenant. Time and again, they turned away, leaving a trail of moral and spiritual chaos.

God responded not with abandonment, but with leadership. First came judges and prophets like Samuel. Then came kings—first Saul, then David, and finally David’s son, Solomon. And this is where our story picks up.

As a new king, Solomon’s early actions carry weight. His first move? He marries an Egyptian princess, forming an alliance with the very nation from which God had delivered Israel generations earlier.

On the surface, this diplomatic marriage might seem clever; a small nation making a name for itself on the international stage. But spiritually, the symbolism is troubling. God's command was clear: don't return to Egypt. Don’t build your future on the things I’ve rescued you from.

This early decision reveals something that runs deeper in Solomon’s story: he has good intentions, but his priorities are misaligned.

Don’t Return to Egypt

There’s a powerful spiritual truth embedded in this story: don’t go back to the things God has delivered you from.

For Solomon, Egypt represented power, prestige, and worldly influence. But it also symbolised slavery, idolatry, and spiritual compromise. By aligning with Egypt, he risked leading his people back into patterns of disobedience that God had already broken.

The same risk applies to us. We all have “Egypts” in our past—habits, mindsets, addictions, behaviours, or toxic relationships—that God has brought us out of. And yet, under pressure, we’re tempted to turn back. We rationalise it. We minimise the danger. We forget what it cost us, and what it cost Christ to set us free.

As the Apostle Paul wrote:

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…” (Philippians 3:13–14)

The Christian life is a forward-moving journey. The past may still whisper, but we are called to walk in freedom. Whatever your "Egypt" looks like—fear, shame, self-condemnation—don’t go back.

When Grace Meets Failure

Solomon’s early reign is a patchwork of success and compromise. He builds a palace for himself before building the temple for God. He worships at high places associated with pagan rituals. He shows flashes of faithfulness, but also alarming misjudgements.

And yet, in the midst of these poor decisions, something extraordinary happens: God shows up.

“The Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’” (1 Kings 3:5)

This moment is stunning. Solomon hasn’t earned God’s favour. He hasn’t proven himself worthy. But God meets him where he is, not where he ought to be. Grace interrupts failure.

This is the heartbeat of the gospel. God doesn’t wait for us to get everything right. He comes to us in our wandering, our confusion, our compromise, and invites us to ask—What do you need? What do you truly want?

Solomon’s Prayer

What Solomon asks for is as famous as it is profound. Not riches. Not revenge. Not long life.

He asks for wisdom.

“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”

(1 Kings 3:9)

In this request, we see a rare moment of clarity. Solomon recognises the magnitude of his responsibility and admits his own inadequacy. He calls himself “a little child” in need of guidance. It’s a posture of humility, a desire to serve well rather than be served.

And God honours that prayer. Not only does He grant wisdom, but He also gives Solomon the very things he didn’t ask for, wealth, honour, and success. This moment echoes the words of Jesus centuries later:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Priorities and the Danger of Prosperity

The tragedy of Solomon’s life is that this early promise fades. Later in his reign, he accumulates wealth, wives, and political alliances in ways that lead him away from God. His love for the Lord is overtaken by a love for power.

The warning is clear: wisdom is not just something you receive—it’s something you must nurture.

We live in one of the wealthiest, most comfortable cultures in human history. And while that’s a blessing, it also brings spiritual risk. The ease of modern life can cloud our vision and tempt us into building personal empires rather than God’s kingdom.

Solomon's story asks us: Are you seeking wisdom to serve—or simply to succeed?

Wisdom That Leads to Life

The good news is that wisdom is not reserved for kings or scholars. It’s available to all who ask.

The book of Proverbs, largely attributed to Solomon, opens with these words:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

Wisdom, in a biblical sense, is not about IQ or cleverness. It begins with awe—a right view of God. It’s about recognising that we are not self-sufficient, and that true knowledge starts with humility before the Creator.

As theologian Tremper Longman puts it, to fear the Lord is “to acknowledge one’s dependence upon him… there is no true knowledge without reference to him.”

Put simply: Without God, knowledge is just information. With Him, it becomes wisdom that leads to life.

A Reflection

At the end of the sermon, Ben offered four reflections. These are not theoretical. They’re practical steps for real-life transformation. Wherever you find yourself today, consider which one speaks to your heart:

1. Are You Returning to Egypt?

Are there areas in your life where you’re slipping back into old patterns? Perhaps you’ve returned to habits or mindsets that God once rescued you from. Today is the day to break free again. Seek accountability. Reach out for prayer. Don’t go back.

2. Have Your Priorities Drifted?

If your discipleship has started to revolve around comfort, convenience, or prosperity rather than seeking God's kingdom first, it’s time to realign. God's kingdom isn’t just an idea—it’s a calling. Put Him first again.

3. Do You Need Wisdom?

Life is full of big decisions—about family, career, relationships, faith. Like Solomon, you can ask God for wisdom. He gives generously, without finding fault (James 1:5). Don’t struggle alone.

4. Are You Ready to Follow Jesus?

Perhaps you’ve been circling the edge of faith, full of information but unsure of conviction. Today could be your day to step in. To move from head knowledge to heart wisdom. To begin a life built not just on understanding, but on trust in Christ.

The original teaching has been edited for clarity and brevity; This is not a transcript.