"And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness... Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom" (1 Kings 9:4-5).
God appeared unto Solomon and promised him that if he would walk before God as David his father "in integrity of heart" that He would establish his kingdom. Solomon started well, but later the bible says, "For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father" (1 King 11:4). Solomon allowed his heart to be turned away from God and as a result the kingdom would be divided during the reign of his son.
Note that Solomon started well but he didn't finish well because his heart was not like David his father. But didn't David sin by committing adutery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband in an attempt to try and cover up his sin? When the bible says that Solomon's heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father, it does not mean that David was sinless--it doesn not mean that David never gave in to fleshly impulses. David not only sinned but he suffered serious consequences. But in the end of the day--when it was all said and done--David wanted more than anything else to please God. David trusted God with all his heart and continually sought God guidance and direction.
When David did sinned the Psalms clearly show that he experienced deep conviction (Psalm 51; 34). When David sinned he might have experienced the temporary pleasures but it wasn't long before he becamed greived and broken over his sin. When there was sin in David's life he was the most miserable man on the earth. He prayed, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice" (Psalm 51:1-8). God was very aware of David's weaknesses but he also knew David's heart. And God knew that David desired above all else to please and honor God with his heart.
Solomon on the other hand didn't just give in to fleshly impulses, he allowed his whole heart--his affections--his love to be turned away from God by his many wives and their idolatry. What or who has your heart today? What or who do you love and deisre to please more than anything else? What ever has your heart will shape, control and determine the outcome of your life. Give your whole heart to God.
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