Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha
The Bible records in 1st Chronicles Chapter 12 verse 32 that the sons of Issachar had an understanding of the times; to know what Israel had to do, install David as King to fulfill the plans and purposes of God for both Israel as well as David at that point in time in history. With that understanding, they were able to mobilize their fellow citizens into bringing peace and unity to Israel by crowning David King over all Israel.
King Solomon requested for an
understanding heart from God to judge Israel aright. The outcome was peace,
economic prosperity ad national development, equity and justice prevailed in
the land. The Bible records that silver, one of the currencies for economic
transactions was as common as sand in Israel. The people of Israel enjoyed
great economic prosperity during the reign of Solomon. Please read 1st Kings Chapters 3, 4 verses 20
to 34, 10 verses 1 to 10, 21 to 29, 2nd Chronicles Chapters 1 verses
10 to 17, 9 verses 1 to 27. Also, the classic judgment by King Solomon in which
he gave the living baby to the right mother rather than the careless one who
lay on her son and killed him in the process speaks volumes of what
understanding does to bring healing, peace and prosperity in the land ( 1st
Kings Chapter 3 verses 16 to 28).
The Consequences of lack of
understanding
Deliberate and conscious waste and
destruction of God given resources. Examples include the unprofitable servant
and the owner of the vineyard in Proverbs Chapter 24 verses 30 to 34, Matthew
Chapter 25 verses 14 to 30. Also see Ecclesiastes Chapter 11 verse 18, Proverbs
Chapter 18 verse 9, Genesis Chapter 38 verses 6 to 10 (Onan)
Laziness – resting when you should
be working – doing the right thing at the wrong time – Ecclesiastes Chapter 11
verses 16 to 17 such as feasting in the morning, 3 verses 1 to 11, Proverbs
Chapters 6 verses 6 to 11, 10 verse 5, Genesis Chapter 8 verse 22, Ecclesiastes
Chapter 11 verses 1 to 6, Matthew Chapter 25 verses 1 to 13 (the foolish
virgins). Laziness is also a contributory factor to waste and destruction.
Poverty, lack, untimely death
Foolish actions such as the
irreverent attitude of the Corinthians at the Communion Table which led to
untimely death and ailments in the Church – 1st Corinthians Chapter
11 verses 20 to 34; the young man who foolishly spent time with the immoral
woman and died young in Proverbs Chapter 7 verses 1 to 27.
Amnon’s folly in raping his
half-sister Tamar and the consequent untimely death as he was killed by
Absalom, Tamar’s brother. Please read 2nd Samuel Chapter 13 for
details.
Absalom’s folly in trying to usurp
the throne. He died young. Please read 2nd Samuel Chapters 14 to 18.
Achan’s folly which resulted in a
national disaster and personal tragedy. Please read Joshua Chapter 7.
Nadab and Abihu’s profanity in
offering strange fire to the Lord, strange because God did not command it.
Please read Leviticus Chapter 10.
Rebellion – Korah, Dathan and
Abiram’s rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron brought tragic consequences
on them and members of their families alongside the two hundred and fifty men
who supported them as well as the fourteen thousand seven hundred who died as a
result of the plague; a consequence of the complaints of the children of Israel
against Moses and Aaron that they had killed the people of God.
Nabal’s foolishness which could have
destroyed him and his entire household but for the intervention of his wise and
understanding wife Abigail. Even if he did not want to share his resources with
David and his men, he should have presented the message in a nice way without
being offensive and rude.