Passion has been the downfall of many a good leader. It can inflame us and compel us to set aside our reason. It can distort our perspective and cause us to forge ahead even though we know that our actions are leading to destruction.
How else do you explain brilliant business leaders who allow greed to propel their company into oblivion? How do you account for leaders who refuse to stop when further advance will bring them to ruin?
Solomon’s sin clearly did not result from a lack of knowledge. He knew more about life in general than anyone of his day! But he allowed his love for women to cause him to make foolish decisions. It blinded him. His passion made him believe that he, unlike others, could neglect God’s commands with impunity. In his heart he knew better, but his passion handicapped him.
Ultimately the wisest man in the Bible played the fool. Solomon’s unchecked passion caused him to forfeit much of the blessing that could have been his. His lack of self-control cost many thousands of people dearly. Though the king knew more than anyone in the land, his passion reduced him into a foolish man.