Learn From Your Mistakes
Today’s Verse:
And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die. ~1 Kings 1:52
Wisdom is acquired by learning from our experiences: our own and others’. When we make mistakes or sin, we should learn from these situations and not set ourselves up for a repeat mistake. This morning, let us see how one of David’s sons, Adonijah, made a repeat mistake that was very costly to him.
We see the usurping.
“Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.” Adonijah was the brother of Absalom. Like Absalom, he was overindulged by David as he became a man. When his father was inattentive to the kingdom needs due to his old age, Adonijah took advantage of him by manipulating other key men in the kingdom to help him become a self-appointed king. He boldly tried to usurp the kingdom from David. This was a risky move that could have cost him his life.
We see the understanding.
Adonijah’s revolt was short-lived and short-circuited by Solomon, Nathan, and Benaiah. He knew that he was in trouble, fled to the tabernacle, and, while holding the horns of the altar, pleaded for mercies from Solomon. Solomon told him that he would not die if he was a trustworthy man. He further said that if he was not, then he would die. There was a firm understanding by Adonijah that if he did not want to be put to death, he needed to cease from his deceptive and manipulative ways. He “dodged the bullet” and was extended sovereign mercies from death.
We see the underhanded.
Adonijah approached Bathsheba to ask Solomon on his behalf for Abishag. He attempted to use Bathsheba to fulfill his lusts. After Bathsheba made request to Solomon, Solomon saw through his chicanery. He sarcastically told her, “Let him ask for the kingdom as well.” Jeremiah reminds us that a leopard does not change its spots. Someone who is deceitful and manipulative tends to stay that way to accomplish his purpose. Be discerning of deceptive people and their agenda.
We see the upending.
“Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.” Adonijah’s risky proposal became his death sentence. Benaiah was called to deal with Adonijah. Even though he received a merciful warning, Adonijah made the same mistake twice and was executed for his foolishness. Instead of repeating his sin, he should have repented and sought to live for the Lord, not for his selfish desires. Learn from your failures and mistakes, and earnestly avoid putting yourself at risk by a repeat act.
Have a prudent God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 13-17