Wisdom comes through several different avenues. One of the avenues that Solomon seems to capitalize on is the wisdom that comes through observation. I wonder how many times Solomon observed a group of rebels rise and fall? Well, he must have seen it happen enough times, that he thought it was important to instruct his son in the matter. The first thing that Solomon tells His son, is to take authority seriously; first God, then the king. I’m afraid that as we look at the cultural mindset toward human authority, it is an accurate reflection of the shift in thought that has already taken place toward our Divine authority. As Solomon instructs his son to avoid those who are given to change, he’s not speaking of those who are working toward peaceful, lawful change; the word speaks of rebels, those who demand change even if it means rebelling against authority. We may not agree with the authority that God has placed over us, but unless we are being asked to disobey God, we are to obey. Solomon goes on to say, that those who set out to rebel against God and man, have a history of being quickly defeated at what seems to be an unexpected time. Where is your heart today? Are you so enamored by the political scene that you’ve forgotten who rules the galaxies? May we submit ourselves to God, and in every way possible, may we submit ourselves to the authorities He has placed over us.