“I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, “I am determined to be wise.” But it didn’t work. Wisdom is always distant and difficult to find.”
In response to Solomon’s request, God had blessed Solomon with wisdom. So much so, in fact, that representatives from many nations came to hear him. And yet, Solomon turned from the Lord and set his affections on foreign women; that proved to be his downfall.
A consequence in turning from the Lord is self-deception. Solomon is apparently self-deceived when he says, “I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide me.” Another consequence in turning from the Lord is despair—a troubling sense of meaninglessness to it all. This is just the sentiment that Solomon is expressing.
