第05章 所罗门的悔改
§1
第05章 所罗门的悔改
§2
Chap. 5 - Solomons Repentance
§3
当所罗门在位期间，主曾两次向他显现，并惠予嘉纳和指教，一次是在基遍的异象中，应许赐他智慧、财富和尊荣，同时也嘱咐他保持谦虚和顺从的精神；另一次是在奉献圣殿之后，主曾再度劝他务要忠心。那赐给所罗门的劝告是简明的，应许是奇妙的；但结果《圣经》对于这个在环境、性格和生活各方面，都似乎是最有资格谨守训言并满足上天希望的人，竟有如下的记载：“他却没有遵守耶和华所吩咐的。”“他的心偏离向他两次显现的耶和华以色列的上帝。耶和华曾吩咐他不可随从别神。”（王上11:9-10）况且他的背道是那么彻底，他的心因犯罪而变成那么刚硬，以致他的罪情看上去几乎是没有一点希望的了。[1]{PK 75.1}
§4
Twice during Solomons reign the Lord had appeared to him with words of approval and counsel--in the night vision at Gibeon, when the promise of wisdom, riches, and honor was accompanied by an admonition to remain humble and obedient; and after the dedication of the temple, when once more the Lord exhorted him to faithfulness. Plain were the admonitions, wonderful the promises, given to Solomon; yet of him who in circumstances, in character, and in life seemed abundantly fitted to heed the charge and meet the expectation of Heaven, it is recorded: He kept not that which the Lord commanded. His heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. 1 Kings 11:9, 10. And so complete was his apostasy, so hardened his heart in transgression, that his case seemed well-nigh hopeless. {PK 75.1}[1]
§5
所罗门竟转离了那与上帝交通而有的喜乐，去从情欲的放纵中寻求满足。他论到这种经验说：[2]{PK 76.1}
§6
From the joy of divine communion, Solomon turned to find satisfaction in the pleasures of sense. Of this experience he says:{PK 76.1}[2]
§7
“我为自己动大工程；建造房屋；栽种葡萄园；修造园囿……我买了仆婢……我又为自己积蓄金银，和君王的财宝，并各省的财宝；又得唱歌的男女，和世人所喜爱的物，并许多的妃嫔。这样，我就日见昌盛，胜过以前在耶路撒冷的众人。……”[3]{PK 76.2}
§8
I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards: . . . I got me servants and maidens: . . . I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem. . . .{PK 76.2}[3]
§9
“凡我眼所求的，我没有留下不给他的，我心所乐的，我没有禁止不享受的；因我的心为我一切所劳碌的快乐。……后来，我察看我手所经营的一切事，和我劳碌所成的功；谁知都是虚空，都是捕风，在日光之下毫无益处。[4]{PK 76.3}
§10
And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor. . . . Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.{PK 76.3}[4]
§11
“我转念观看智慧、狂妄和愚昧；在王以后而来的人，还能作什么呢？也不过行早先所行的就是了。……我所以恨恶生命，……我恨一切的劳碌，就是我在日光之下的劳碌。”（传2:4-18）[5]{PK 76.4}
§12
And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done. . . . I hated life. . . . Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:4-18.{PK 76.4}[5]
§13
所罗门从他自己痛苦的经验中，得知一个在属世事物中追求幸福的人生的虚空。他曾为外邦的神明筑坛，结果只是看出它们所能赐予心灵的安慰是多么的渺茫。愁闷和烦恼的念头昼夜困扰他。他再也得不到人生的乐趣或心灵的平安，前途也因绝望而显为黑暗了。[6]{PK 76.5}
§14
By his own bitter experience, Solomon learned the emptiness of a life that seeks in earthly things its highest good. He erected altars to heathen gods, only to learn how vain is their promise of rest to the spirit. Gloomy and soul-harassing thoughts troubled him night and day. For him there was no longer any joy of life or peace of mind, and the future was dark with despair. {PK 76.5}[6]
§15
但主还没有丢弃他。只借着责备的信息和严厉的惩罚，设法使王看出自己行径的罪恶。他撤除了他的保护，容许仇敌蹂躏并削弱王的国度。“耶和华使以东人哈达兴起，作所罗门的敌人。……上帝又使……利逊兴起，作所罗门的敌人；……利逊招聚了一群人，自己作他们的头目，他恨恶以色列人，且作了亚兰人的王。所罗门的臣仆……耶罗波安，是大有才能的人，也举手攻击王。”（王上11:14-28）[7]{PK 77.1}
§16
Yet the Lord forsook him not. By messages of reproof and by severe judgments, He sought to arouse the king to a realization of the sinfulness of his course. He removed His protecting care and permitted adversaries to harass and weaken the kingdom. The Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite. . . . And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon, . . . captain over a band, who abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria. And Jeroboam, . . . Solomons servant, a mighty man of valor, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 1 Kings 11:14-28.{PK 77.1}[7]
§17
最后，主借着先知传给所罗门以下惊人的信息：“你既行了这事，不遵守我所吩咐你守的约律例，我必将你的国夺回，赐给你的臣子。然而因你父亲大卫的缘故，我不在你活着的日子行这事，必从你儿子的手中将国夺回。”（王上11:11-12）[8]{PK 77.2}
§18
At last the Lord, through a prophet, delivered to Solomon the startling message: Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy fathers sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Verses 11, 12.{PK 77.2}[8]
§19
所罗门听到这个向他和他全家宣布的判决，就像从梦中猛然惊醒；他的良心重新发现，使他看出自己愚妄的真相。他以伤痛的心灵和虚弱的身体，疲乏而干渴地转离了世上“破裂不能存水的池子，”而再度转向那“活水的泉源”。苦难的锻炼终于在他身上起了作用。他曾因自己无法转离愚妄而长久困于灭亡的恐惧之中；但是现在他已从这道信息中看出一线希望来。上帝并没有全然丢弃他，却仍准备拯救他脱离他自己所无法摆脱的、比死亡更可怕的奴役。[9]{PK 77.3}
§20
Awakened as from a dream by this sentence of judgment pronounced against him and his house, Solomon with quickened conscience began to see his folly in its true light. Chastened in spirit, with mind and body enfeebled, he turned wearied and thirsting from earths broken cisterns, to drink once more at the fountain of life. For him at last the discipline of suffering had accomplished its work. Long had he been harassed by the fear of utter ruin because of inability to turn from folly; but now he discerned in the message given him a ray of hope. God had not utterly cut him off, but stood ready to deliver him from a bondage more cruel than the grave, and from which he had had no power to free himself.{PK 77.3}[9]
§21
所罗门本着感激的心承认了那位“高过居高位”的主的大能和慈爱（传5:8）；便以痛悔的心开始转回他曾远离的纯全与圣洁的境地。他固然不能再希望避免罪恶悲惨的结果；他也绝不能忘掉他过去所追随的自我放纵的生活；但他一定要尽力劝阻别人跟从虚妄。他要谦卑地承认自己行为的错误，并扬声警告别人，以免他们因他所发挥的不良影响而致丧亡，无可挽救。[10]{PK 78.1}
§22
In gratitude Solomon acknowledged the power and the loving-kindness of the One who is higher than the highest (Ecclesiastes 5:8); in penitence he began to retrace his steps toward the exalted plane of purity and holiness from whence he had fallen so far. He could never hope to escape the blasting results of sin, he could never free his mind from all remembrance of the self-indulgent course he had been pursuing, but he would endeavor earnestly to dissuade others from following after folly. He would humbly confess the error of his ways and lift his voice in warning lest others be lost irretrievably because of the influences for evil he had been setting in operation.{PK 78.1}[10]
§23
一个真心悔改的人决不会轻易忘记自己过去的罪恶。他在得到平安之后，也不会将自己所犯的错误置诸脑后。他却要想到那些曾因他的行为而步入歧途的人，并要尽其所能地将他们引回正路上来。他自己所得的光照越明亮，他帮助改正别人的决心也就越坚强。他决不设法文饰自己过去任意妄为的作风，或以自己的错行为小事，却要举起危险的信号警告别人。[11]{PK 78.2}
§24
The true penitent does not put his past sins from his remembrance. He does not, as soon as he has obtained peace, grow unconcerned in regard to the mistakes he has made. He thinks of those who have been led into evil by his course, and tries in every possible way to lead them back into the true path. The clearer the light that he has entered into, the stronger is his desire to set the feet of others in the right way. He does not gloss over his wayward course, making his wrong a light thing, but lifts the danger signal, that others may take warning.{PK 78.2}[11]
§25
所罗门承认：“世人的心充满了恶，……心里狂妄。”（传9:3）并且他也宣称：“因为断定罪名，不立刻施刑，所以世人满心作恶。罪人虽然作恶百次，倒享长久的年日；然而我准知道，敬畏上帝的，就是在他面前敬畏的人，终久必得福乐。恶人却不得福乐，也不得长久的年日；这年日好像影儿，因他不敬畏上帝。”（传8:11-13）[12]{PK 78.3}
§26
Solomon acknowledged that the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart. Ecclesiastes 9:3. And again he declared, Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before Him: but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God. Ecclesiastes 8:11-13.{PK 78.3}[12]
§27
王在圣灵的感动之下，将自己所浪费之年日的经历，及其警戒性的教训，记录下来作为后代的殷鉴。这样，虽然他所撒播的恶种已结出苦毒的后果，危害了他所治理的民众，但他毕生的工作总不算是全然枉费的。所罗门在晚年曾谦虚自卑地“将知识教训众人；又默想、又考查、又陈说许多箴言。”他“专心寻求可喜悦的言语，是凭正直写的诚实话。”“智慧人的言语，好像刺棍；会中之师的言语，又像钉稳的钉子；都是一个牧者所赐的。我儿，还有一层，你当受劝诫。”（传12:9-12）[13]{PK 79.1}
§28
By the spirit of inspiration the king recorded for after generations the history of his wasted years with their lessons of warning. And thus, although the seed of his sowing was reaped by his people in harvests of evil, his life-work was not wholly lost. With meekness and lowliness Solomon in his later years taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. He sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished. Ecclesiastes 12:9-12.{PK 79.1}[13]
§29
他又写道：“这些事都已听见了；总意就是敬畏上帝，谨守他的诫命，这是人所当尽的本分。因为人所作的事，连一切隐藏的事，无论是善是恶，上帝都必审问。”（传12:13-14）[14]{PK 80.1}
§30
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter, he wrote: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Verses 13, 14.{PK 80.1}[14]
§31
所罗门晚年的著作，显明他越来越认识到自己行径的邪恶，他特别注意警戒青年人不可像他一样犯错，以致徒然浪费了上天最宝贵的恩赐。他伤痛而羞愧地承认自己正当壮年，就是他应当以上帝为他的安慰、倚靠和生命的时候，却转离了上天的恩光和上帝的智慧，竟以偶像代替耶和华敬拜。这时，他既从悲惨的经验中认识这种人生是多么愚妄，因此他迫切的心愿就是要挽救别人脱离他所尝受过的痛苦经验。[15]{PK 80.2}
§32
Solomons later writings reveal that as he realized more and still more the wickedness of his course, he gave special attention to warning the youth against falling into the errors that had led him to squander for nought Heavens choicest gifts. With sorrow and shame he confessed that in the prime of manhood, when he should have found God his comfort, his support, his life, he turned from the light of Heaven and the wisdom of God, and put idolatry in the place of the worship of Jehovah. And now, having learned through sad experience the folly of such a life, his yearning desire was to save others from entering into the bitter experience through which he had passed.{PK 80.2}[15]
§33
他以生动感人的笔法，论到那为上帝作工之青年的特权和义务，说：[16]{PK 80.3}
§34
With touching pathos he wrote concerning the privileges and responsibilities before the youth in Gods service:{PK 80.3}[16]
§35
“光本是佳美的，眼见日光也是可悦的。人活多年，就当快乐多年；然而也当想到黑暗的日子；因为这日子必多，所要来的都是虚空。少年人哪，你在幼年时当快乐；在幼年的日子，使你的心欢畅，行你心所愿行的，看你眼所爱看的；却要知道，为这一切的事，上帝必审问你。所以你当从心中除掉愁烦；从肉体克去邪恶；因为一生的开端，和幼年之时，都是虚空的。”（传11:7-10）“你趁着年幼，衰败的日子尚未来到，就是你所说，我毫无喜乐的那些年日未曾临近之先，当记念造你的主。不要等到日头、光明、月亮、星宿变为黑暗，雨后云彩返回，看守房屋的发颤，有力的屈身，推磨的稀少就止息；从窗户往外看的都昏暗，街门关闭，推磨的响声微小，雀鸟一叫，人就起来，唱歌的女子也都衰微。人怕高处，路上有惊慌；杏树开花，蚱蜢成为重担；人所愿的也都废掉，因为人归他永远的家，吊丧的在街上往来。银链折断，金罐破裂，瓶子在泉旁损坏，水轮在井口破烂；尘土仍归于地，灵仍归于赐灵的上帝。”（传12:1-7）[17]{PK 80.4}
§36
Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: but if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. Ecclesiastes 11:7-10. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, While the evil days come not, Nor the years draw nigh, When thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; While the sun, Or the light, Or the moon, Or the stars, Be not darkened, Nor the clouds return after the rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, And the strong men shall bow themselves, And the grinders cease because they are few, And those that look out of the windows be darkened, And the doors shall be shut in the streets, When the sound of the grinding is low, And he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, And all the daughters of music shall be brought low; Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, And fears shall be in the way, And the almond tree shall flourish, And the grasshopper shall be a burden, And desire shall fail: Because man goeth to his long home, And the mourners go about the streets: Or ever the silver cord be loosed, Or the golden bowl be broken, Or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth As it was: And the spirit shall return unto God Who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:1-7.{PK 80.4}[17]
§37
所罗门的一生不但对于青年，就是对于成年和日薄西山、风烛残年的人，也充满了警戒。我们看到并听人谈到青年时期的动摇性，青年人在善与恶之间徘徊不定，不易控制邪情恶欲的潮流。但在一般老成练达的人，我们总以为是不至于动摇或背信的；我们期望他们的品性该是稳健的，主义该是坚定的。但事实并不一定如此。正当所罗门应作中流砥柱而坚定不移时，他却在试探的势力之下失败了。正当他的力量应是最坚强的时候，他却变成了最软弱的人。[18]{PK 82.1}
§38
Not only to the youth, but to those of mature years, and to those who are descending the hill of life and facing the western sun, the life of Solomon is full of warning. We see and hear of unsteadiness in youth, the young wavering between right and wrong, and the current of evil passions proving too strong for them. In those of maturer years, we do not look for this unsteadiness and unfaithfulness; we expect the character to be established, the principles firmly rooted. But this is not always so. When Solomon should have been in character as a sturdy oak, he fell from his steadfastness under the power of temptation. When his strength should have been the firmest, he was found to be the weakest.{PK 82.1}[18]
§39
从这样的例子中我们可以认定：不拘老少，人的唯一保障乃在乎警醒祷告。崇高的地位和伟大的特权并不能给人以任何保证。一个人可能已经享有多年真基督徒的经验，但他依然是受撒但袭击的目标。在应付内心的罪恶和外来的试探时，连聪明和刚强的所罗门也被击败了。他的失败教训我们：不论一个人的才智多么卓越，不论他过去是何等忠心地侍奉上帝，他若倚靠自己的智慧和正直，仍是绝不稳妥的。[19]{PK 82.2}
§40
From such examples we should learn that in watchfulness and prayer is the only safety for both young and old. Security does not lie in exalted position and great privileges. One may for many years have enjoyed a genuine Christian experience, but he is still exposed to Satans attacks. In the battle with inward sin and outward temptation, even the wise and powerful Solomon was vanquished. His failure teaches us that, whatever a mans intellectual qualities may be, and however faithfully he may have served God in the past, he can never with safety trust in his own wisdom and integrity.{PK 82.2}[19]
§41
在每一个世代，每一个地方，建立品格的真基础与典型总是一样的。唯一稳固的根基，唯一可靠的向导，乃是上帝的律法：“你要尽心……爱主你的上帝，又要爱邻舍如同自己。”（路10:27）这就是我们的救主品格和生活上所显示的伟大原则。“你一生一世必得安稳，有丰盛的救恩，并智慧，和知识，”（赛33:6）——这是唯有上帝的圣言才能给予的智慧和知识。[20]{PK 82.3}
§42
In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, . . . and thy neighbor as thyself, the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation, the only sure guide. Luke 10:27. Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation, the wisdom and knowledge which Gods word alone can impart. Isaiah 33:6.{PK 82.3}[20]
§43
论到遵守上帝的诫命，从前有话对以色列人说：“这就是你们在万民眼前的智慧、聪明。”（申4:6）这话在现今仍不失为真理。个人的正直、家庭的纯洁、社会的健全、或国家的稳固，其保障全在于此。在人生的一切困恼、危险和互相矛盾的要求之下，我们唯一安全可靠的法则，就是完全遵循上帝的话而行。“耶和华的训词正直，”而“行这些事的人，必永不摇动。”（诗19:8；15:5）[21]{PK 83.1}
§44
It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His commandments: This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations. Deuteronomy 4:6. Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability of the nation. Amidst all lifes perplexities and dangers and conflicting claims, the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says. The statutes of the Lord are right, and he that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm 19:8; 15:5.{PK 83.1}[21]
§45
凡愿接受所罗门的背道经验作为鉴戒的人，就必拒绝那些使他跌倒之罪恶的初步侵袭。人唯有顺从上天的条件，才能保守自己不致背道。上帝已经赋予人极大的亮光和许多的福惠；但人若不接受这些亮光与福惠，它们就不足以保守他脱离悖逆和离道反教的罪。当那些蒙上帝赋予重任而身居高位的人转离他去倚靠人的智慧时，他们的光就变成黑暗了。他们所赋有的才能反变成了陷阱。[22]{PK 83.2}
§46
Those who heed the warning of Solomons apostasy will shun the first approach of those sins that overcame him. Only obedience to the requirements of Heaven will keep man from apostasy. God has bestowed upon man great light and many blessings; but unless this light and these blessings are accepted, they are no security against disobedience and apostasy. When those whom God has exalted to positions of high trust turn from Him to human wisdom, their light becomes darkness. Their entrusted capabilities become a snare.{PK 83.2}[22]
§47
直到争斗结束为止，世上总免不了有偏离上帝的人。撒但一定要为我们布置环境，以至我们若不得蒙上帝能力的保守，这些环境就必不知不觉地削弱我们心灵的屏障。我们必须步步扪心自问：“这是耶和华的道路吗？”只要我们生存一天，我们就需以坚毅的意志控制各种感情和情欲。我们若不依赖上帝，将生命与基督一同藏在他里面，我们就没有一时一刻是真正安全的。警醒与祷告乃是纯洁的保障。[23]{PK 83.3}
§48
Till the conflict is ended, there will be those who will depart from God. Satan will so shape circumstances that unless we are kept by divine power, they will almost imperceptibly weaken the fortifications of the soul. We need to inquire at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? So long as life shall last, there will be need of guarding the affections and the passions with a firm purpose. Not one moment can we be secure except as we rely upon God, the life hidden with Christ. Watchfulness and prayer are the safeguards of purity.{PK 83.3}[23]
§49
凡进入上帝圣城的人，必要从那“窄门”进去，经历艰苦的奋斗；因为“凡不洁净的……总不得进那城。”（启21:27）但任何已经跌倒的人都不必失望。一度曾蒙上帝看重的年迈的人，或许曾在情欲的坛上牺牲了美德而污秽了自己的心灵，但只要他们悔改，离弃罪恶，并转向上帝，他们还是有希望的。那位宣称“你们务要至死忠心，我就赐给你那生命的冠冕”的主（启2:10），也发出邀请说：“恶人当离弃自己的道路；不义的人当除掉自己的意念，归向耶和华，耶和华就必怜恤他；当归向我们的上帝，因为上帝必广行赦免。”（赛55:7）上帝恨恶罪恶，但他怜爱罪人。他说：“我必医治他们背道的病；甘心爱他们。”（何14:4）[24]{PK 84.1}
§50
All who enter the City of God will enter through the strait gate--by agonizing effort; for there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth. Revelation 21:27. But none who have fallen need give up to despair. Aged men, once honored of God, may have defiled their souls, sacrificing virtue on the altar of lust; but if they repent, forsake sin, and turn to God, there is still hope for them. He who declares, Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life, also gives the invitation, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Revelation 2:10; Isaiah 55:7. God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. I will heal their backsliding, He declares; I will love them freely. Hosea 14:4.{PK 84.1}[24]
§51
所罗门的悔改固然是真诚的；但他那行恶榜样所造成的伤害，却无法抵消。在他背道的期间，国内固然仍有一些忠于职守，保守自己纯洁忠贞的人。但许多人却被导入歧途了；那因导入拜偶像和世俗习染而发动的邪恶潮流，也是这悔改的王所难以制止的。他所发挥的为善感化力已大大削弱了。许多人不敢完全信任他的领导。王虽然承认了自己的罪，并为遗泽后代而留下他愚妄和悔改的记录，但他总不能希望完全抹杀他错行的不良影响。许多人因他的背道而胆大妄为，继续专门作恶。而且在许多追随他的君王之堕落行径上，可以见到他滥用上帝所赐能力的悲惨影响。[25]{PK 84.2}
§52
Solomons repentance was sincere; but the harm that his example of evil-doing had wrought could not be undone. During his apostasy there were in the kingdom men who remained true to their trust, maintaining their purity and loyalty. But many were led astray; and the forces of evil set in operation by the introduction of idolatry and worldly practices could not easily be stayed by the penitent king. His influence for good was greatly weakened. Many hesitated to place full confidence in his leadership. Though the king confessed his sin and wrote out for the benefit of after generations a record of his folly and repentance, he could never hope entirely to destroy the baleful influence of his wrong deeds. Emboldened by his apostasy, many continued to do evil, and evil only. And in the downward course of many of the rulers who followed him may be traced the sad influence of the prostitution of his God-given powers.{PK 84.2}[25]
§53
所罗门回顾自己罪恶的行径，就悲痛万分，不禁宣称：“智慧胜过打仗的兵器；但一个罪人，能败坏许多善事。”“我见日光之下，有一件祸患，似乎出于掌权的错误，就是愚昧人立在高位。”[26]{PK 85.1}
§54
In the anguish of bitter reflection on the evil of his course, Solomon was constrained to declare, Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good. There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler: folly is set in great dignity.{PK 85.1}[26]
§55
“死苍蝇使作香的膏油发出臭气；这样，一点愚昧也能败坏智慧和尊荣。”（传9:18；10:5-6,1）[27]{PK 85.2}
§56
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor. Ecclesiastes 9:18; 10:5, 6, 1.{PK 85.2}[27]
§57
在所罗门生平所昭示的许多教训中，最注重的莫过于人生活所发挥的好坏影响力。不管我们的生活范围多么窄狭，我们所发出的影响仍然不是造福，就是招祸。它对于别人是福惠或是咒诅，是我们所无从知道，也无法控制的。它可能是郁积着埋怨和自私的苦闷，或带有某种秘密罪恶的恶性毒害；也可能是充满了信心，勇敢和希望的赐生命的能力，并含有仁爱的芬芳。无论如何，其为善为恶的功能，总是确切不移的。[28]{PK 85.3}
§58
Among the many lessons taught by Solomons life, none is more strongly emphasized than the power of influence for good or for ill. However contracted may be our sphere, we still exert an influence for weal or woe. Beyond our knowledge or control, it tells upon others in blessing or cursing. It may be heavy with the gloom of discontent and selfishness, or poisonous with the deadly taint of some cherished sin; or it may be charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and hope, and sweet with the fragrance of love. But potent for good or for ill it will surely be. {PK 85.3}[28]
§59
我们的影响竟成为死的香气叫人死，这该是何等可怕的事，然而这确是可能的。一个生灵误入歧途，丧失永久的福——谁能估计这项损失呢！须知我们一次鲁莽的举动或一句冒失的话语，就足以在别人生活上发生深重的影响，甚至造成他灵魂的灭亡。我们品格上的一个污点足以使许多人转离基督。[29]{PK 86.1}
§60
That our influence should be a savor of death unto death is a fearful thought, yet it is possible. One soul misled, forfeiting eternal bliss--who can estimate the loss! And yet one rash act, one thoughtless word, on our part may exert so deep an influence on the life of another that it will prove the ruin of his soul. One blemish on the character may turn many away from Christ.{PK 86.1}[29]
§61
种子撒了出去就有收获，而所收得的再撒出去，收获就必愈益增多。这项定律也适用于人与人之间的关系上。每一件行为，每一句话语，都是一粒种子，终必有其结果。每一件仁慈体贴、顺从、舍己的行为都必一再流传，影响别人照样去行。照样，每一件嫉妒、仇恨或纷争的行为也是一粒种子，必要生出“毒根，”叫众人沾染污秽（来12:15）。而且这“众人”所沾染的污秽，必要毒害更多的人！这样，善与恶的播撒出去，其结果既是一时的，也是永恒的。[30]{PK 86.2}
§62
As the seed sown produces a harvest, and this in turn is sown, the harvest is multiplied. In our relation to others, this law holds true. Every act, every word, is a seed that will bear fruit. Every deed of thoughtful kindness, of obedience, of self-denial, will reproduce itself in others, and through them in still others. So every act of envy, malice, or dissension is a seed that will spring up in a root of bitterness whereby many shall be defiled. Hebrews 12:15. And how much larger number will the many poison! Thus the sowing of good and evil goes on for time and for eternity.{PK 86.2}[30]