1 Chronicles 28:9

Thou, Solomon. Before all the congregation David now addressed himself to Solomon, earnestly admonishing him to be faithful. David knew that the prosperity of his son’s reign was dependent upon whether he would be true to God. If faithful, Solomon would prosper; if unfaithful, he would reap the consequences of transgression and the nation would suffer with him.

Know thou. Nothing in the world is of greater importance than a knowledge of God. To know God brings peace and happiness in this world, and the blessings of life eternal. “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

Perfect heart. Or, “whole heart.” David enjoined upon his son an undivided allegiance, admonishing him to give himself completely to the service of God, and to do so willingly and cheerfully (see 1 Chron. 29:19; cf. 1 Kings 8:61).

With a willing mind. True service of God is heart service. No man can be a child of God who does not willingly serve Him. There is no such thing as forced Christianity. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isa. 1:19). This does not imply that performance of duty is always in harmony with one’s inclination. In fact, obedience often does involve crucifixion of self. Paul’s wishes and desires daily conflicted with duty; nevertheless he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature (see LS 237).

Searcheth all hearts. The Lord looks, not upon man’s outward appearance, but on his heart. It was thus that David was chosen (1 Sam. 16:7). The heart of every man is known to God (see 1 Kings 8:39; Ps. 139:1-4; Acts 1:24; Heb. 4:13).

Understandeth all. Because the Lord understands the weaknesses of the human heart He has mercy and compassion toward us, even when we have sinned against Him. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Ps. 103:13, 14).

Seek him. Compare Deut. 4:29; Isa. 55:6; Jer. 29:13. For the man who searches for God, the Lord is not far away. He who desires to know God will find Him, and he will also find confidence, peace, and life everlasting. Life’s most rewarding quest is the search after God.

Cast thee off. It is man who causes a separation between himself and God. Only when man forsakes the Lord and His ways of righteousness will he find that God has cast him off. The Lord never forsakes those who seek after Him (Ps. 9:10).