First Kings
Friday, July 23, 2010
Truth’s Most Becoming Garb
(I Kings 4:25-34)
Great leaders communicate effectively with their followers. Wise men understand that the simple, unaffected, passionate presentation of an ideal resonates in the hearts of men. Sometimes education itself robs potential leaders of their ability to communicate—which is really the ability to lead. Theological seminaries, for example, frequently pump their young men with ivory tower intellectualism to the point that the common man can no longer understand the sermons. Erudite as they may be, there followers miss the message or are too bored to listen. The disconnect in communication produces malaise in the congregation, and the church never really moves ahead.
Solomon, like all great leaders, understood the importance of connecting with his audience. His reign brought economic prosperity to his people, but he desired something deeper for them (29). As a good leader, he yearned to take his nation beyond material sustenance and border security to experience the richness of their heritage as God’s chosen people. Beyond making a living, Solomon wanted to teach them how to live. And so he began to compile songs and proverbs—a veritable treasure trove of Jewish wisdom and customs—many of which were inspired by the Spirit of God and preserved in our Bibles.
Solomon’s wisdom extended beyond his brian power. Solomon was a wise communicator, speaking the language of the common people. His proverbs were pithy, addressing common objects such as trees, animals, and birds. He used multiple illustrations to drive the truth home. He learned to relate to the problems and plight of the common man. (33). His teaching style was probably very similar to that of Christ.
Interestingly, he never lacked for an audience. People came by the droves to hear him because of his wisdom and because they could understand what he was getting at! Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say, “Simplicity is truth’s most becoming garb.”
