Even if we’ve made mistakes, by this point we should have figured out what’s important in life.
The “last words of David” are recorded for us in 2 Samuel 23. They are a composition of lofty Hebrew poetry. But in 1 Kings 2:1-9 we have his final charge to Solomon, written in uncompromising prose. Verses 1-4 are a checklist for a successful reign, given by a father to his son. He begins, “Be strong,…and prove yourself a man” (v 2). Oh, for manly men today! Not boorish or bossy or bullies, but men strong in courage and commitment and compassion, men who are “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:10). Linked with that, David encouraged his son to “keep the charge of the Lord your God” (1 Ki 2:3), that is, to take seriously his responsibilities. That would require a person “to walk in His ways,” seeking to have one’s life consistent with the will of God. And how can we know that will? By committing “to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies.” In linking these descriptive titles for God’s Word, David was calling Solomon to pay careful attention to each detail. We must train our spirits to rejoice in obedience as our flesh delights often in quiet rebellion. If so, says the old king to his son, you will “prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.” All this is a solemn reminder of our obligation to prepare our children—and our children’s children—for the life ahead of them. So there you have it, from the man after God’s own heart. You need to be strong, because life is a battle of good vs evil. You need to be serious, because we are not here to do our will, but God’s. You need to be scriptural, for the Guidebook from heaven is always right. And you need to be steady, walking with Him. If so, whatever the world thinks, you will be successful in the eyes of the Lord.