Pride and Pleasure

Ecclesiates 2:9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

Noble in youth, noble in manhood, the beloved of his God, Solomon entered on a reign that gave high promise of prosperity and honor. Nations marveled at the knowledge and insight of the man to whom God had given wisdom. But the pride of prosperity brought separation from God. From the joy of divine communion Solomon turned to find satisfaction in the pleasures of sense.... {Ed 152.3}