Worst Ever

So when Ahijah heard her [Jeroboam's wife's] footsteps at the door, he called out, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam!  Why are you pretending to be someone else?”  Then he told her, “I have bad news for you.  Give your husband, Jeroboam, this message from the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘I promoted you from the ranks of the common people and made you ruler over my people Israel.  I ripped the kingdom away from the family of David and gave it to you.  But you have not been like my servant David, who obeyed my commands and followed me with all his heart and always did whatever I wanted.  You have done more evil than all who lived before you.  You have made other gods for yourself and have made me furious with your gold calves.  And since you have turned your back on me, I will bring disaster on your dynasty and will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel.  I will burn up your royal dynasty as one burns up trash until it is all gone. [1 Kings 14.6-10]

I am still stuck on Solomon...  How is it that Solomon built shrines to all the pagan gods of his record-setting number of wives and even worshiped those gods, and yet, it doesn't appear he was even scolded about it.  Here today we see that Jeroboam was labeled "more evil than all who live before you."  Why is that?

It seems Solomon's offense is viewed as a simple indiscretion while Jeroboam received the full curse for being evil.  Both turned their backs on God.

Is it possible to sin and still have a right heart toward God (even if that sin is turning away from God)?

I am not sure what to derive from the accounts of Solomon then Jeroboam.  I know God was displeased with Solomon, but it seems he did not receive title as a wicked king in the history of Judah or Israel.  Jeroboam however got the "worst ever" title.

One thing obvious from Solomon's life and writings is that he seemed to be constantly seeking more knowledge and wisdom.  We have no such record of Jeroboam.  Could this have been the difference?

Father, let Your Word come alive in my heart regarding what pleases You and then help me to be busy about the task of pleasing You!  I know that faith is what pleases You more than anything - and I believe in Jesus!