How is it possible for a man to be so smart and wise and also have had thrilling encounters with God, and yet fall away from the Lord when He is old?

I’m speaking of King Solomon. Reading Prov. 7, you get such insight into how a man is led into lust and sexual sin. Here’s my summary of it:
1) The man hangs near sexual temptation (not intending to sin but just to be around). v. 8
2) He waits to be alone. v.9
3) He is enticed by her demeanor. v.10
4) This temptation is ubiquitous. v.12 (Especially true today with internet)
5) He justifies why he could give into it. v. 14
6) He is further enticed by the sweet sounding promise of it. v. 17
7) He thinks he won’t be found out. v. 19
8) He gives into sin. v. 22
9) His life is ruined. v. 23

Solomon had this figured out! He has written this to warn young men and women not to ruin their lives. But what is baffling is that he falls into it himself!!!
For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 1 Kings 11:4

I heard Ravi Zacharias say this: The difference between Solomon and David is that David had the prophet Nathan to correct him, but Solomon had no such accountability. Perhaps because he was so wise and knowledgeable, people didn’t think he would need anyone correcting him.

This is why Christian life must be lived in a community. No matter how strong or godly, we need each other to correct, rebuke and encourage one another (2 Tim. 4:2)

This means saying things he/she may not find comfortable out of love. It means risking being rejected for the sake of the brother or the sister. And it means when someone corrects us, thanking God that we have someone who loves us enough to do so.

PH