The Travelers Gift Ch 4

• David finishes reading in his office and experiences a strange physical sensation before falling through the floor into darkness.
• He finds himself unharmed in a large hall filled with people dressed in ancient attire.
• The hall is constructed of cedar wood, with marble floors and columns, and smells strongly of cedar.

Royal Court

• A gong sounds, and the crowd kneels before a throne made of ivory and gold, flanked by gold lions.
• A man in radiant turquoise robes adorned with gems appears, identifies as the king, sits on the throne, and begins a court session.
• Two women argue over a baby, each claiming to be the mother.
• The king orders a sword to be brought and declares he will cut the baby in half to give each woman a part.
• One woman begs the king to give the baby to the other woman rather than kill it; the other agrees to the king's plan.
• The king identifies the woman who pleaded for the baby's life as the true mother and returns the child to her, explaining he never intended to harm the baby.

Meeting King Solomon

• The crowd cheers, and David finds himself the only one standing.
• The king looks directly at David and gestures for him to follow.
• David follows the king behind the throne into a smaller room filled with luxurious items, including gold shields and fine foods.
• The king dismisses his attendants and introduces himself as King Solomon.
• Solomon notes David's ability to speak Hebrew and explains that it is a special ability granted for his journey and understanding of the gift.
• Solomon references "the scrolls," prepared specifically for David, containing messages to be ingrained in his life before passing the gift to others.

Seeking Wisdom

• David expresses confusion about how to prepare for an uncertain future.
• Solomon advises David to "seek wisdom".
• Solomon explains that those who hear but don't listen do not seek wisdom.
• Wisdom is available but found by few who are diligent.
• David admits to lacking success and contentment in life.
• Solomon states that the past cannot be changed, but actions can change the future.

Guiding Direction

• Solomon asks David about his daughter and the influence of her friends, using this to illustrate how outside influences affect people.
• One is always influenced by those around him.
• The company you keep will affect your personal characteristics.
• Solomon advises guarding associations carefully and avoiding tolerance of mediocrity.
• The king introduces his wise and energetic advisors and stresses the importance of seeking counsel from wise individuals.
• Only a fool refuses counsel and sensible instruction.
• Find a wise person who has been successful in life.

Serving Others

• As Solomon and David leave, Solomon insists on holding the curtain for David.
• Acts of service place value on others.
• A wise man is a server.
• David sits on the throne and acknowledges feeling small.
• Solomon shares that leadership brings responsibility.
• Solomon says that his father's teachings still guide him.
• Those teachings have provided him with key fundamentals.
• Solomon gives David a scroll and states that struggles are worthwhile.
• Doing battle with current challenges will unlock prizes in the future.

The Second Decision for Success

• Seek wisdom.
• Actively seek wisdom from books and recordings.
• Choose friends with care.
• Associate with people whose lives one admires.
• Listen to the counsel of wise men.
• Be a servant to others.
• Cultivate a servant's spirit to attract others.
• Humbly serve others, and their wisdom will be freely shared.