When Solomon became king over the children of Israel he was painfully aware that he was not qualified to rule the nation of Israel. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream, He asked Solomon what God should give him. “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon, knowing what he lacked, said, “Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:7-9). God was pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom to rule the people rather than wealth, power, or fame for himself. “Then God said to him: ‘Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.’” (1 Kings 3:11-13). Solomon started well. He did not deceive himself about his own abilities and his priorities were in proper order. Unfortunately, he did not continue on the path he started. “But King Solomon loved many foreign women…” (1 Kings 11:1). “And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.” (1 Kings 11:3). In spite of his great wisdom, Solomon fell away. This is a warning to us, people can influence us and draw our hearts away from God. As the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul uses examples from the Old Testament to warn his readers. “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (vs 11-12). Likewise, we should remember, if it happened to Solomon, it could happen to us.