“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou may prosper in all that thou do, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: That the LORD may continue his word which he spoke concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee… a man on the throne of Israel.”
(1 Kings 2:1-4)
As David nears the end of his life, he offers Solomon counsel that would serve as a cornerstone for both his personal life and his leadership as the future king of Israel. David tells Solomon, “Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and whithersoever you turn…” (1 Kings 2:3). These words reflect the timeless truth that genuine prosperity comes not from worldly achievements but from a life aligned with God’s will.
David understood from his own life that the key to success and stability—whether personal or national—was obedience to God’s commands. In this passage, he stresses the importance of walking in God’s ways as the essential condition for flourishing in every area of life.
This same instruction echoes throughout Scripture. We see it in Joshua 1:8, where the Lord tells Joshua to meditate on His Word day and night to ensure success in his leadership. Hezekiah, another example of a godly ruler, followed the same principle and was successful in everything he did because “he clave to the Lord,” (2 Kings 18:6-7).
The only way to truly reform a society filled with moral decline is through the personal integrity of its leaders. When those in positions of influence—whether in government or ministry—live out those principles of Scripture, they set a powerful example for others to follow.
Effective leadership in families, churches, and nations demands that those at the helm be grounded in God’s Word. Success does not come from political savvy or military might but spiritual wisdom and obedience to God’s ways. In contrast, when leaders abandon God’s law to follow their own desires, the result is not only personal downfall but also societal decline.
True prosperity comes from living in accordance with God’s ways. David promises Solomon that if he keeps God’s statutes and commandments, he will prosper at every turn, and this same call extends to each of us to seek God first that He may provide all we need for a flourishing life.[1]
Contemplations:
- Obedience as the Foundation of Success: David’s instruction to his son Solomon in 1 Kings 2:3 reminds me that no amount of effort, strategy, or planning can replace simple obedience to God. When I align my actions, thoughts, and decisions with His Word, I lay a solid foundation for success, not just in my own life but in the lives of those I influence.
- Leadership Begins with Personal Integrity: David’s words challenge me to reflect on how I live my own life. Before I can expect to lead others—whether at work, in my family, or in ministry—I first need to govern my own actions, desires, and choices with wisdom and discipline by being steadfast in God’s Word and walking in His ways. If I neglect my own walk with God, how can I hope to lead anyone else?
- The Impact of a Godly Leader: I am struck by the truth that the prosperity of an entire nation can rest on the faithfulness of its leader. David’s counsel to Solomon reminds me that leadership has a far-reaching impact. When I walk in obedience to God, it doesn’t just affect me; it also affects my family, my community, and those around me. God can use my faithfulness to bring blessing and stability to others. Leadership, then, is not about power or control but about serving others by walking in God’s will.
- True Prosperity Defined: In a world that often measures success by material wealth, fame, or power, David’s definition of prosperity stands in stark contrast. He tells Solomon that prosperity comes from walking in God’s ways and keeping His commandments. This challenges me to never forget that prosperity is not about accumulating wealth or gaining recognition but about living a life that pleases God.
Further References for 1 Kings 2:1-14:
1 Chron. 22:13; Joshua 22:5; 2 Sam. 7:13; Psalm 132:12; Eph. 6:10
[1] John Flavel, The Reasonableness of Personal Reformation, (London: printed for Thomas Cockerill, at the Three Legs in the Poultrey, over against the Stocks-Market, 1691), 19.
