What Do You Think About Wisdom?

 If you were offered the chance to be given anything you wanted, what would you ask for? That’s the opportunity that King Solomon is given by God. With an opening to ask for a longer and healthier life, a larger bank account and accompanying 401(k), and material treasures and pleasures galore, Solomon’s answer is both insightful and humbling.

 

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” – 1 Kings 2:7-9 (NIV)

 

Reading through this familiar story, I had to pause and reread these verses a few times. The humility shown in this passage is a conviction and an encouragement to me. Recognizing his place, not as the ruler on the throne but a ruler under God’s sovereign throne, Solomon appeals for wisdom to lead his people well. He understands that he is not in control, God is, and he asks not for the benefit of himself but for others.  Solomon’s ask for wisdom is a growth point in my own walk with the Lord. Are my requests and prayers focused on myself, my aspirations, my benefit, or are they humbly attuned to the benefits of others? Am I thinking more highly of myself, or my position, or am I living obediently under God’s direction, walking in step with His Spirit?

 

Solomon didn’t always get everything right. But in this moment, following his transfer of power in taking over the kingdom, his ask is one of humility and empathy. In my own life, may I pursue a similar posture. Father, help me to walk in step with your Spirit (Gal. 5:16), to abide in Christ (Jn. 15:5), and to look to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4) with the same mindset and desire as Solomon.

So, what do you think about wisdom? We would love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments.

- Pastor Josh