While a lot has been said about Solomon and his prayer for wisdom (1 Kings 3), what’s noteworthy is his conduct even before the prayer. In the two chapters immediately preceding his prayer for wisdom, we see his interactions with his father, David and his mother, Bathsheba.
David shares his last will and wishes with his son before joining his ancestors (1 Kings 2:1-9)
Bathsheba on the other hand, seeks Solomon’s approval on behalf of Adonijah (1 Kings 2: 19)
In both instances, the way Solomon listens to his parents with utmost honor- so much so, that even after the death of his father, and in his position as the newly appointed King, he doesn’t forget to show reverence to his widowed mother.
See how he greets her-
And the king rose up to meet her and bowed down to her, and sat down on his throne and had a throne set for the king’s mother; so she sat at his right hand.
The boy, barely 17-20 years old, shows immense wisdom even for his age and the very next chapter is nothing but the consequence of parental reverence translated into the fear of God.
The fear of God is indeed the beginning of wisdom but before you can revere an invisible God, you need to honor your parents, the ones who are visible and alive in flesh.
But What If My Parents Aren’t Worthy of Honor?
Truth be told, there are no divine, flawless parents. Even Solomon was conceived after a shameful instance of adultery. That alone should have stigmatized him for life and made him bitter towards his parents and society in general.
Though we do not know for sure the details of his upbringing, but its obvious that he respected his parents despite their obvious flaws.
So, the question is never how good, qualified or worthy our parents seem to be- it is how we honor them despite their flaws.
Perhaps being reverent of difficult parents is the stepping stone to greater, unwavering faith. How else would you follow through when things get tough, and God seems distant?
None of the experiences that you have been through are in vain.
The ground that you stand on is training you for the places you are to be tomorrow. So, do your part, honor your parents the best way possible even if to your human mind they seem unworthy of that respect.
Don’t disqualify yourself through disrespect!
Does Honoring My Parents Mean Unquestionable Obedience?
When Solomon’s mother seeks his approval on getting Abishag, the Shunamite for his step-brother Adonijah, he didn’t comply.
Why? Cause handing over his father’s concubine to Adonijah would be as good as giving up the kingdom to him! The act, while apparently harmless, would be a cause of public shame and disgrace (see how Absalom disgraced his father David by sleeping with his concubines in 2 Samuel 16:22).
So even though Solomon honored his mother, he was no mama’s boy!
Instead, he used his own wisdom and discretion to reach to conclusions instead of being swayed away by his mom’s opinions.
There will be times when what one’s parents expects them to do doesn’t align with their own spiritual leading. In such instances, respectfully decline to follow through, remembering that your parents are after all, human beings- with their own set of biases, interests and judgements.
Honor Your Parents That It May Be Well with You!
Jesus, our model Son, was forever obedient, even to the point of death on the cross. But, what’s even more humbling is His obedience and reverence for his earthly parents.
There is this instance where Jesus as a teenager stays behind at the temple in a fervent discussion with the rabbis. His parents come back looking for him and even though he responds saying that he was “about My father’s business” (Luke 2:49), he follows them back to Nazareth.
No questions asked!
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them…. (Luke 2:51)
We know nothing of the first 30 years of Jesus’ life on earth, except for this story.
What could be the reason behind placing only this story in the Bible?
And what follows Jesus’ subjection is even more interesting- Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52)
How does this all tie up, Sany?
Simply speaking my friend, if Solomon had to honor his parents as a pre-requisite to praying for wisdom, and if Jesus, the Son of God, had to be subject to human parents to grow in wisdom and favor, so do we!
Honoring our parents is an undisputable pre-requisite to growing in wisdom and favor with God and men. It’s the only way that we are assured to have a long, abundant, blessed life! (Ephesians 6:3)
I know it’s a hard pill to swallow for many, including me, but that’s how God designed it.
God, our heavenly Abba, seeks honor (Malachi 1:6) and obedience above sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). He honors those who honor Him. (1 Samuel 2:30)
And as His fatherly representatives on earth, our parents are to be honored as well.
Truely enough, there would be plenty of instances where their logic fails you, but the question remains- would you obey?
For the one who watches over you will make sure that all things work together for your good, so how does it matter anyway?
May His peace and wisdom lead your way and light your path unto His righteousness.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
